CHRISTIANITY:::
In Christianity, they typically represent the light of Jesus. Votive candles are sometimes lit as an accompaniment to prayer. Candles are lit by worshippers in front of icons in Orthodox and other churches.
Vigil Lights::::
In the Catholic church you will find banks of votive candles, called vigil lights, that are often placed near a statue or icon of Mother Mary. These candles indicate that someone is praying about something in particular, either for themselves or on behalf of someone else. The word "votive" could also refer to a promise to pray for someone, as well as a wish or desire for a certain outcome on behalf of someone, such as recovery from an illness.
Paschal Candles::
The lighting of the Paschal candle is a traditional Easter observance in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Anglican churches. It is a large candle symbolic of the risen Christ. Set aside in a large candlestick near the altar, the Paschal candle is lighted from flint on the night of Holy Saturday during the Easter vigil service. All the other candles in the church are lit from this candle. The dramatic ritual of the fire service dates back at least as far as the 4th century A.D. The Paschal candle represents Christ's person, and its flame symbolizes His Resurrection as "the light of the world."
Baptism Candles:::
A small white candle lighted from the Paschal candle during the Baptismal liturgy and presented to the baptized person or the parent or sponsor. It is meant to honor the spiritual birth and is lit on each anniversary of the baptism.
Alter Candles:::
Used as a remembrance of Christ's words: "I am the light of the world, no follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness."
The two candles represent the two natures of Jesus Christ, human and divine.
Three candles refer to the Holy Trinity.
Six candles can signify several things. The six days of Creation, the six hours Jesus spent on the cross or the six attributes of the Creator God: wisdom, majesty, power, love, mercy, and justice.
*Hope this answers your question! :)Christmas Candles-Why do people use candles for Christmas and what does the candle symbolize?Interesting to note the functions of candles during Christmas. In Taoism candles mean brightness which symbolizes endless hope.
To all Christian friends and relatives, Have Merry Christmas and A Happy 2009.
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Christmas Candles-Why do people use candles for Christmas and what does the candle symbolize?The candle represents hope and salvation in the Christian faith. The light shed by the candle symbolizes the light that came from the star, which, according to the holy bible in the book of Matthew, shone in the East when Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem.
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