By Andrew
Candles are common symbols throughout the Catholic Church.
But what are the candles for? Decoration?
The candle in our church has many meanings depending on the situation.
Candles could teach us lessons in different meanings.
In Matthew 5: 14, Jesus says “You are the light of the world.”
The candle sends a message that we need to be the light and lead other through the darkness.
In John 3:30, John the Baptist says “He must increase, I must decrease”
Just like how the candle melts itself in order to shine it’s light.
But do all Religions use the candle?
Many religions use the candle. Christianity, Judaism and many more.
Dharmic Religions are Indian religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism.
They don’t use candles and instead lamps.
Different candles can be used for different celebrations.
In the Catholic church, we use an advent wreath to countdown to Jesus’ Birthday.
We use the Paschal candle at the Easter Vigil to represent the light of Christ coming to our world. The light represents the risen Christ, as a symbol of light (life) dispelling darkness (death).
Even the amount of candles lit represents a meaning.
The number of candles lit on the altar depends which Mass is being celebrated (a Low Mass or a High Mass, eg) Or even who is celebrating it. (Priest, Bishop, Archbishop eg.)
For a low mass, there are supposed be only 2 candles lit on the altar.
For a high mass, there should be 6 candles burning in the Church.
For all Masses, there needs to be at least 2 candles lit.
However, there can be some added solemnity when using more than two. On Sundays and Holy Days of obligation, there can be four or even six candles lit.
Whenever the bishop offers Mass, the use of seven candles is invited.
