The Role Of Candles In Religion

From time immemorial, candles have always played an integral role in religious and spiritual rituals

. History records that the first candles were used during pagan rites and later, in Jewish ritual practices. In pagan religious rites, candles were also used for healing purposes. Today, candles which are used in spiritual and religious ceremonies are available in all shapes and sizes. Throughout the religions around the world, candles are essentially symbolic of remembrance and celebration.

Candles play a vital role in Catholicism. In Christianity, the candle has always been deeply related with worship and decoration. The candle basically represents the light of God or the light of Christ. As a mark of respect to God, Altar candles are placed in pairs on the altar. Candles are also carried in procession to the altar. When a prayer is being recited, a small votive or a long tapered candle is lit.

In Eastern Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and various other Christian religions, the altar is prominently positioned in front of the church. As a result, the worshippers light the candles in front of the church. These candles are considered to be offering candles as they are symbolic of the person offering or dedicating themselves to God. The Liturgical candle used in the Roman Catholic Church is made of at least 51% beeswax, with Paraffin or some other substance constituting the rest. However, in the Orthodox Church, only Tapered candles made of 100% beeswax are used. The Paschal candle, used in some Western churches, signifies the Resurrected Christ and is only used on certain occasions such as Easter, baptisms and funerals. During the festival of Hanukkah or the Festival of lights, one lights a candle each night for eight nights so as to celebrate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.

In Buddhist religion, candles are a significant part of conventional customs and observances. In addition, to flowers, incense or butter lamp that symbolizes respect, some source of light is always placed in front of Buddhist shrines and images of the Buddha. The light from the candle echoes the light of Buddhas teachings.

by: Ramesh kumar

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