Church candles have been a staple part of the Christian religion. They often symbolize many things about the Christian faith. For example, Catholics believe that the candle symbolizes the body of Christ.
Christian baptisms also hold the candle as a symbol of an individual's passage into receiving and being baptized in the light of God.
For weddings, the two candles that are lit by the couple's mothers represent their union. These are only some of the important roles that candles have during worship and ceremonies.
The use of candles as a way for lighting the path of darkness has been imbedded in the Christian viewpoint as significant in an unbeliever's transition into finding the Lord.
In addition to that, the candles not only stand for the guidance of the Lord, but also the Lord's love.
All kinds of denomination use the church candles. Some have a preference as to the kind of candle they like to use for their church or services they perform.
For instance, the candles that the Roman Catholic Church uses have to be made from at least 51% beeswax. If it's an Orthodox church, the requirement would be that it is 100% beeswax.
Beeswax is a pricey ingredient. Because of this, the stubs of these beeswax candles are usually recycled and made into new candles. On the other hand, some denominations only require that candles be organic.
One ideal church candle used by other sects would be the vegetable wax candles. They are very efficient since these candles burn cleanly, have long burning hours plus they are relatively inexpensive.
Using church candles have become a long tradition. Candles that are used today for our ceremonies and traditions were also equally celebrated in the traditions and celebrations in olden times.
Let's check out how these important candles evolved and how they were used during ancient times.
Back then, Egyptians used the candle as a primary tool to conduct exorcisms, to scout out treasures and other rituals that they had. Because of this, the use of church candles was not exactly a welcome thought for the Roman Catholic Church.
They were hesitant to use these since it was used mostly by pagan religion. However, when the 4th century came, they slowly became integrated into the Christian rituals became helpful.
Despite its admittance into the church, candles were still prohibited from being used in the altar because of the association it had with witchcraft.
It wasn't until the Middle Ages when the Church decided to bless and consecrate candles. This was then used for blessings as well as absolving sins and driving out demons.
Usage for candles has certainly come from a long way. People have used candles in so many ways and for such a long time that it has become intertwined with our everyday lives as well as special occasions. Moreover, church candles have a great active part in our faith and will continue to do so for as long as we want it to be.
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