(Video and discussion)
What does the large Easter candle mean?
The Easter Vigil begins in darkness as a symbol of Christ’s tomb, as well as of the multiple occasions when darkness enters our lives. The parish community, with unlit candles, gathers outside in the darkness around dry, dead wood that will soon be brought to life by a spark. The resulting flame dispels the darkness while symbolically affirming our resurrection belief.
A tall, large, decorative candle is lit from the Easter fire, symbolizing the risen Christ, the light of the world. This Easter candle is the prominent Easter symbol of the risen Christ, of his Pasch or Pass-over from death to new life. As we process into church proclaiming Christ as our light, individual candles are lit from the Easter candle and we share Christ’s light with others. Once all have gathered with lit candles, the Exultet, a hymn of joy and praise to God for the gift of new life in Christ, is chanted.
The Easter candle is prominently placed in the sanctuary as a constant reminder of the risen Christ and our undying hope for resurrection. The Easter candle is kept lit during all the liturgical celebrations of the Easter season’s great fifty days. After Pentecost, the Easter candle remains prominently displayed, but is lit only for baptisms and funerals, celebrations which significantly attune us to our constant hope for resurrected life in Christ, our light.
This Easter season attune yourself to the rich symbolism of the Easter candle, asking Christ to be your constant light.
©2009 Liturgical Publications Inc, New Berlin, WI 53151
Used with Permission
Nativity by no means encourages putting matches out on the roof of mouths.
