Candles Ceremonial use of lights

a large carved thai candle, similar used in ubon ratchathani candle festival

candles traditional part of buddhist ritual observances. along incense , flowers, candles (or other type of light source, such butter lamps) placed before buddhist shrines or images of buddha show of respect. may accompanied offerings of food , drink. light of candles described representing light of buddha s teachings, echoing metaphor of light used in various buddhist scriptures. see ubon ratchathani candle festival example of buddhist festival makes extensive use of candles.

christianity



candle lighting in visoki dečani monastery.



candles burned in churches , cathedrals sign of remembrance of departed



bundle of candles sold in shops of christian quarter in old city of jerusalem

in christianity candle commonly used in worship both decoration , ambiance, , symbol represents light of god or, specifically, light of christ. altar candle placed on altar, in pairs. candles carried in processions, either side of processional cross. votive candle or taper may lit accompaniment prayer.

candles lit worshippers in front of icons in eastern orthodox, oriental orthodox, eastern catholic , other churches. referred offering candle , because candle symbol of worshiper offering himself or herself god (and proceeds sale of candle offerings faithful go church). among eastern orthodox, there times when entire congregation stands holding lit tapers, such during reading of matins gospels on friday, lamentations on holy saturday, funerals, memorial services, etc. there special candles used orthodox clergy. bishop bless using dikirion , trikirion (candlesticks holding 2 , 3 candles, respectively). @ pascha (easter) priest holds special paschal trikirion, , deacon holds paschal candle. priest bless faithful single candle during liturgy of presanctified gifts (celebrated during great lent).

in roman catholic church liturgical candle must made of @ least 51% beeswax, remainder may paraffin or other substance. in orthodox church, tapers offered should 100% beeswax, unless poverty makes impossible. stumps burned candles can saved , melted down make new candles.

in western churches, special candle known paschal candle, represents resurrected christ , lit @ easter, funerals, , baptisms. in eastern orthodox church, during bright week (easter week) priest holds special paschal trikirion (triple candlestick) , deacon holds large candle during of services @ serve.

in sweden (and other scandinavian countries), st. lucia day celebrated on december 13 crowning of young girl wreath of candles.

in many western churches, group of candles arranged in ring, known advent wreath, used in church services in sundays leading christmas. in households in western european countries, single candle marked days of december gradually burned down, day day, mark passing of days of advent; called advent candle.

judaism


a yahrtzeit candle, lit on hebrew anniversary of loved 1 s death

in judaism, pair of shabbat candles lit on friday evening prior start of weekly sabbath celebration. on saturday night, special candle several wicks , braided lit havdalah ritual marking end of sabbath , beginning of new week.

the eight-day holiday of hanukkah, known festival of lights, celebrated lighting special hanukkiyah each night commemorate rededication of temple in jerusalem.

a memorial candle lit on yahrtzeit, or anniversary of death of loved 1 according hebrew calendar. candle burns 24 hours. memorial candle lit on yom hashoah, day of remembrance perished in holocaust.

a seven-day memorial candle lit following funeral of spouse,parent,sibling or child.

candles lit prior onset of 3 festivals (sukkot, passover , shavuot) , eve of yom kippur, , rosh hashana.

a candle used on night before passover in symbolic search chametz, or leavened bread, not eaten on passover.

kwanzaa

the candle used in celebrations of kwanzaa, african american holiday runs december 26 january 1. kinara used hold candles in these celebrations. holds 7 candles; 3 red candles represent african american struggles, 1 black candle represent african american people , 3 green candles represent african american hopes.

humanism

for humanists candle used symbol of light of reason or rationality. humanist festival of humanlight features candle-lighting ceremony.

satanism

during satanic rituals black candles lightsource, except 1 white candle on altar. dim lighting used create air of mystique , color of candles has symbolic meaning.

unitarian universalism

a common element of worship in many unitarian universalism churches , fellowships lighting of candles of joy , concern. here members of congregation may come altar or chancel, light votive or other candle, , share personal concern or joy community. unitarian universalism incorporates candle-lighting ceremonies other spiritual traditions, draw inspiration. flaming chalice used symbol of unitarianism , unitarian universalism, , is, in reality, candle, not actual chalice of burning oil.

wicca

in wicca , related forms of paganism, candle used on altar represent presence of god , goddess, , in 4 corners of ritual circle represent presence of 4 classical elements: fire, earth, air, , water. when used in manner, lighting , extinguishing candle marks opening , closing of ritual. candle used magical meditative purposes. altar candles traditionally thick tall candles or long tapers available in many colors. in wicca, candles used come in variety of colors, depending on nature of ritual or custom @ hand. wiccans may use red, green, blue, yellow , white or purple candles represent elements.

using candles in magic based on wiccan beliefs known sympathetic magick in believed candle represents outcome person wanting. attracts form of magical practice. example, if person looking job or needs income green candle (the color of american dollars) used. romance, red candle used (red universal color of love , hearts). there additional belief smoke candles take prayer requests, desires, or wishes gods.

raqs sharqi

in raqs sharqi, candles used complementary element in dance styles. candles can held either on dancer s hand or above head, depending on choreography demands.