Definition:
The Easter Candle, also known as the Pascal Candle, is a large, white candle used in liturgical celebrations in many Christian denominations, particularly during the Easter season, but also during baptisms and funerals.
Etymology:
The term “Paschal” comes from the Hebrew word “Pesach,” meaning Passover, which in Christian tradition has come to be associated with Easter. The term “candle” is from the Latin “candela,” meaning a light or torch.
Description:
The Easter Candle is first lit during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, and it remains lit during the Easter season, which lasts for 50 days from Easter Sunday until Pentecost. Pentecost, also known as Whitsun or Whitsunday, marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament’s Book of Acts, and the end of the Easter season. It is the focal point of the service, symbolizing the light of Christ coming into the world.
Beyond the Easter season, the Paschal Candle is also used during baptisms and funerals throughout the liturgical year. During baptisms, the candle symbolizes the light of Christ given to the baptized individual, not to be confused with baptismal candle. During funerals, it represents the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Christ, not to be confused with grave candle.
Symbolism:
The Easter Candle is a significant symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the light of Christ overcoming the darkness of sin and death.
The Easter Candle symbolizes the risen Christ, the light of the world. It represents new life and hope brought by Jesus’ resurrection. The flame of the candle signifies the light of Christ dispelling the darkness of sin and death.
A candle is a sex symbol in the same way as the lowercase letter “i” is a sex symbol. It contains a vertical line (penis) towards a dot/hole (vagina). Jesus is known as the light and often portrayed as a flame, and is the flame of the candle. Jesus is also known as the sun and the symbolic meaning of the five-pointed star, which is a symbol for anus. In the same way Jesus (the asshole) is hung on the cross (penis), a flame (Jesus) is lit on the candle (penis).
The Easter Candle is typically large and white, often adorned with symbols such as a cross, the Greek letters Alpha (A) and Omega (Ω), and the current year. Five grains of incense are often inserted into the candle in the shape of a cross, representing the wounds of Christ.
The candle is usually placed in a prominent position in the church, such as near the altar or baptismal font.