Church Candles

One of the important things that have long been a part of the church ceremonies and the Christian religion as a whole are Church candles. They are often used to represent many things about the Christian religion. For instance, for the Catholics, the candle can represents the body of Christ.

Christian baptisms also hold the candle as a symbol of an individual's passage into receiving and being baptized in the light of God.

In wedding ceremonies, the mother's of the couple lights up two candles that are taken to symbolize their union. These are some of the main roles that candles do during worship and ceremonies.

The use of candles as a way for lighting the path of darkness has been imbedded in the Christian viewpoint as significant in an unbeliever's transition into finding the Lord.

Moreover, the candles are not only representative of the guidance that God gives, but it also shows the Lord's love for his people.

All kinds of denomination use the church candles. Some have a preference as to the kind of candle they like to use for their church or services they perform.

For example, Roman Catholic Church candles have to be strictly made of beeswax, at least 51% of it. If you go to an Orthodox Church, however, the candles should be made of 100% pure beeswax.

The fact is that beeswax is quite expensive. This is the reason why the stubs are recycled to be made into new beeswax candles as well. On the other hand, there are other denominations that prefer to use organic candles instead.

Common church candles that other denominations use would be vegetable wax candles. They burn efficiently and have long burning hours; moreover, they are quite affordable.

Using church candles have become a long tradition. Candles that are used today for our ceremonies and traditions were also equally celebrated in the traditions and celebrations in olden times.

Let's take a look at a brief history of how these same candles evolved and were used during ancient times.

Originally, Egyptians used candles to conduct exorcisms, find treasures or perform other rituals. The use of church candles was not exactly a welcome thought to the Roman Catholic Church.

Since it was primary tool used in pagan worship, the church had its hesitations. However, when the 4th century came, it slowly integrated the use of these candles into the common Christian rituals.

However, even though it became used in church it was not permitted to be used in the altar because of the association it had with witchcraft.

Only during the Middle Ages when the church decided that they would consecrate and bless the candles so that it can be used in the altar. The candles were then also used for blessings and absolving sins as well as driving out demons.

The use of candles has definitely come a long way. Humans have used candles for many purposes and they have become integrated into our everyday lives as well as special occasions. Not only that, church candles have become a part of our faith and will continue to become one as long as we make it to be.