What are baptism candles for?
Light is an important symbol within Christianity and the baptism candle represents the movement from death to life in Christ, who is also known as the ‘light of the world.” Baptism is the way in which the Church welcomes a child into the community of faith.
Do you need a candle for baptism?
Candles are often an important part of the baptism ceremony. Depending on the traditions of the church in which your child is christened, you may be given a special candle which then becomes a keepsake, or parents or godparents may be asked to provide a candle for the ceremony.
What is a church candle?
A votive candle or prayer candle is a small candle, typically white or beeswax yellow, intended to be burnt as a votive offering in an act of Christian prayer, especially within the Anglican, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic Christian denominations, among others.
How many candles do you need for a Greek baptism?
Lambathes are traditionally used in Greek Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox baptism ceremonies. In an Orthodox baptism, 3 candles are generally used — one large candle for the child and two smaller matching candles for witnesses to circle the font.
Who keeps the baptism candle?
During the baptismal ceremony, the parents or godparents hold a baptismal candle that goes home as a memento for the baptized person. Typically, the church will provide a basic, tapered candle, though someone close to the person being baptized might give a larger, more ornate candle that will last through the years.
Who lights the candle at a baptism?
While traditionally the bride and the groom bring a candle each and light it from the pastoral candle, there are two options that one may choose from. Some people believe that the bride and groom should bring their baptismal candles and light them from the pastoral candle, as a sign do things coming full circle.
What items are needed for baptism?
There are five universal symbols of baptism: the cross, a white garment, oil, water, and light.