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For millennia, light has been a universal symbol of the divine, a beacon of hope, and a representation of purity in sacred spaces. Across denominations and traditions, the soft, warm glow of a candle flame elevates the human spirit and directs our focus toward prayer, reflection, and worship. But in liturgical settings, the candle is more than just a source of light—it is a theological statement, a tradition handed down through centuries, and a symbol of Christ himself.
At Tabo, we hold this tradition in the highest regard. We are honored to provide beeswax candles for churches, chapels, and home altars, crafted with the purity and quality that sacred spaces deserve. The Catholic Church, among other traditions, has long held that candles used in the liturgy should be made predominantly of beeswax, symbolizing the purity of Christ's body . The pure wax, collected by bees from fragrant flowers, represents the prayers of the faithful offered from a pure heart .
In this guide, we explore the most common styles of beeswax church candles, their symbolic meanings, and their specific roles within liturgical and devotional life.
Without question, the most significant and recognizable candle in Western Christian liturgy is the Paschal Candle . Also known as the Easter Candle or Christ Candle, it is the largest candle in the worship space and holds a place of honor near the altar or ambo .
Symbolism and Design
The Paschal Candle is rich with theological symbolism. Every element of its design tells a part of the Easter story.
The Cross: The central symbol, prominently displayed, identifies the candle with the crucified and risen Christ.
Alpha and Omega: The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet signify that God is the beginning and the end of all things.
The Current Year: Engraved near the cross, it reminds the congregation that Christ is present with them here and now.
Five Grains of Incense: Often presented as five red wax nails, these are embedded in the candle during the Easter Vigil. They represent the five wounds of Christ: the nails in his hands and feet, and the spear thrust into his side.
Styles and Collections
Church goods suppliers offer Paschal candles in a range of artistic styles to suit different liturgical aesthetics . Common collections include:
Eximious®(Premium/Made-to-Order):These are top-of-the-line, masterfully crafted candles. They often feature intricate, hand-crafted designs, rich colors like ruby and gold, and detailed religious iconography. Examples include the "Christ Our Light" candle with neoclassical elegance, the "Twelve Apostles" candle depicting the apostles in white against gold, and the "Evangelium" candle featuring the four living creatures .
Sculptwax®: This style features stunning, hand-cast appliqués that are color-infused, giving a three-dimensional, artistic quality to the candle. The "Holy Eucharist" Paschal candle, with its golden chalice and host against a radiant cross, is a prime example .
Classic: These candles offer timeless patterns and rich, vibrant colors. They provide a dignified and traditional appearance suitable for any church setting .
Usage
The Paschal candle is first lit with great ceremony at the Easter Vigil from a newly blessed fire, symbolizing the light of Christ rising from the dead and dispelling the darkness . It remains lit throughout the Easter season and is then used throughout the year for baptisms (symbolizing the light of Christ entering the new believer) and funerals (signifying the hope of the resurrection) .
The candles that adorn the altar itself are among the most visible in the church. They signify that Christ, the Light of the World, is present and that our souls burn with the love of God .
Design and Placement
Altar candles are typically tall, tapered candles placed in candlesticks on or near the altar. They are often sold in pairs or sets. For example, many Paschal candle collections include matching "complementing altar candles" designed to coordinate with the main Paschal candle, creating a harmonious and dignified liturgical display . These complementing candles often feature decorative bands that echo the themes of the Paschal candle, such as the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) symbol .
The number of candles on the altar can vary. In some traditions, candlesticks with two candles (Dikírion) or three candles (Trikírion) are used, each number holding specific theological meaning .
Composition
To honor tradition, many altar candles are required to contain a significant percentage of beeswax.
If you have ever visited a church and seen a rack of flickering flames near a statue of a saint, you have witnessed the tradition of votive candles . These are usually smaller candles, often in clear or colored glass containers, that the faithful light as a sign of their prayer.
The Meaning of Votive Candles
The name "votive" comes from the Latin word votum, meaning vow or promise . Lighting a votive candle is a concrete action signifying a commitment to pray for a specific person, intention, or in thanksgiving. Just as incense rises, the candle's flame symbolizes our prayers rising up to God.
Design and Use
Votive candles are typically short and wide, designed to burn for a specific duration (often 7 or 14 days). They are placed in front of sacred images as a visual reminder of ongoing prayer. When parishioners see a rack of lit votives, it calls to mind their own call to pray for others -5.
Beyond the main candles on the altar, other candles play specific roles in liturgical movement and decoration.
Processional Candles
These candles are carried by acolytes or servers during processions, such as the entrance procession at the beginning of Mass or the procession with the Book of the Gospels. They are typically mounted on tall candlesticks and are carried to honor the Word of God and the celebrant. Their movement through the congregation signifies Christ, the Light, moving among his people.
Sanctional Candles
These candles are placed near the tabernacle, where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. Their constant burning signifies the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. They serve as a beacon for the faithful, indicating that the Lord is present and inviting silent prayer and adoration.
Candelabra and Polycandils
In some churches, you may see stationary or suspended candelabra holding multiple candles. These are often called:
Candils or Lampádas: Holding a single candle .
Polycandils: Holding seven or twelve candles, alluding to the gifts of the Holy Spirit or the Apostles.
Panicandils or Khoros: Large, often circular chandelier-style fixtures holding more than twelve candles, providing magnificent illumination and symbolizing the heavenly assembly .
While the primary focus of church candles is symbolic and liturgical, artistry and beauty are also highly valued.
Hand-Decorated Candles
As seen in premium Paschal candle collections, many beeswax church candles are works of art. Designs can include:
Religious Iconography: Depictions of saints, the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei), the Eucharist, angels, or scenes from Scripture .
Symbolic Motifs: Celtic knotwork on candles for churches with Celtic heritage, or bees (themselves a symbol of sacrifice and industry) incorporated into the design .
Color Accents: While white or natural beeswax is most common, liturgical colors like purple (Advent/Lent), red (Pentecost, feasts of martyrs), and gold or bronze (festive seasons) are used to mark specific times of the year.
Natural and Rustic Styles
Some churches and home shrines prefer the simple, unadorned beauty of natural beeswax. Pillar candles made from 100% pure beeswax, with their natural golden hue and subtle honey scent, are prized for home altars and small chapels . These rustic styles bring a sense of warmth and organic beauty to sacred spaces, connecting the modern worshipper to the ancient tradition of offering the best of creation back to the Creator.
Whether you are equipping a grand cathedral, a small parish church, or a personal home altar, the candles you choose matter. They are vessels of prayer, symbols of faith, and bearers of a tradition that stretches back to the early Church.
At Tabo, we offer a curated selection of beeswax church candles to meet every need:
Paschal Candles rich in symbolism, from simple classic designs to ornate, handcrafted masterpieces
Altar Candles and complementing pairs to create a harmonious sanctuary.
Votive Candles for personal devotion and prayer.
Pure Beeswax Pillars and Tapers for home altars and everyday sacred moments.
We invite you to explore our collection and find the perfect candles to illuminate your faith and enhance your worship. Let the pure, gentle light of beeswax carry your prayers heavenward.
Waiting for our long-terms and friendly cooperation.
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