What is a Paschal candle? When and how do we use it?
The use of the Paschal candle (or Easter candle) can be traced to the Easter Vigils of the fourth century. At the beginning of the Vigil, the tall, white Easter candle is lit from the new fire, a symbol of Christ’s resurrection. This is accompanied by the singing of a special hymn, the Exultet, which celebrates God’s creation. As the Easter candle itself came to symbolize the resurrection, it grew in stature and significance, assuming lofty proportions and placed on enormous candle stands. In current liturgical practice, somewhat more modest Easter candles are placed near the baptismal font and are lit throughout the season of Easter (from the Easter Vigil through the Day of Pentecost). In some congregations, they are also used at baptisms and funerals as a way of recalling our dying and rising with Christ. Modern Easter candles are frequently adorned with the cross and inscribed with the date of the current year.
