What Does the Candle Flame Symbolize in Christian Art

The candle used during the Easter season has profound symbolism.

Not surprisingly, early Christians used candles in their liturgies. Initially this was done for practical purposes (peculiarly when praying in the catacombs), only the light coming from the candles quickly became symbolic.

The candle-lit ceremonies reminded Christians of Jesus' words in the Gospel of John, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, only volition have the light of life" (John eight:12). For this reason candles became a central part of Christian worship and were associated with the calorie-free of Christ.

Too using multiples candles for applied illumination purposes, there began a tradition where a single candle was used as a straight symbol of Jesus. According to Fr. Edward McNamara, "The most likely origin [of the Easter candle] is that it derived from the Lucernarium, the evening office with which early Christians began the vigil for every Sunday and especially that of Easter. In turn, this rite is probably inspired by the Jewish custom of lighting a lamp at the decision of the Sabbath. The rite therefore has its roots in the very beginning of Christianity. In the Lucernarium rite the light destined to dispel the darkness of nighttime was offered to Christ as the splendor of the Father and indefectible light. This Sunday rite was logically carried out with greater solemnity during the Easter Acuity."

Over time the Easter candle was given greater prominence and was decorated to further expound on the Paschal mystery. Beneath is a brief guide to the Easter candle forth with the corresponding symbolism.

Wax Candle

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "The pure wax extracted by bees from flowers symbolizes the pure flesh of Christ received from His Virgin Mother, the wick signifies the soul of Christ, and the flame represents His divinity."

Light

The Roman Missal summarizes this symbolism perfectly, "May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds." This connects the Easter candle to Jesus, "low-cal of the world," as he describes himself in the Gospel of John.

From the Easter candle are lit all the other candles in the church building, showing how Jesus is the source of our lite.

Flame

The flame is reminiscent of the "pillar of burn" that led the people of State of israel and protected them every bit they escaped the slavery of the Egyptians. The Exsultet refers to this symbolism when information technology states, "This is the night that with a pillar of fire banished the darkness of sin."

Cross

The cantankerous is the supreme symbol of Jesus and the instrument through which he saved the globe from sin and decease.

Alpha and Omega

It is common in Christian fine art to find two Greek letters: the alpha (Α) and omega (Ω). These two messages have an ancient history in Christianity and are rooted in the book of Revelation, where Jesus says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the cease. To the thirsty I will give water without price from the fountain of the water of life. He who conquers shall have this heritage, and I will be his God and he shall be my son" (Revelation 21:six-7).

Year

As the priest traces the year on the Easter candle, he prays, "All time belongs to him, and all the ages." This reminds us that God is hither with us today and is constantly guiding all creation to himself.

Grains of incense

Five grains of incense are inserted into the candle on pinnacle of the cross, symbolizing the five "holy and glorious wounds" of Jesus Christ.

Read more:
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Source: https://aleteia.org/2018/04/10/heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-easter-candle/

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