Liturgical candles: when and why they are important
Light has always had an extremely profound and essential meaning for men. There is no religion that has not made it a vital component in its folklore, there is no civilization that has not celebrated it as a component that can be assimilated, on the off chance that not superimposed, on the idea of life itself. The reasons are self-evident and certainly merit further conversation.(scented candles)
Here we want to consider a particular kind of 'light' associated with religion, spirituality. We should talk about liturgical candles.
The candles , since their creation, appear in the customs and functions of many religions.
We think, for example, of the Jewish religion, of the lighting of candles on Friday night, to celebrate the beginning of Shabbat, or the Festival of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, where consistently for eight continuous days lights a candle commemorating the consecration of another altar in the Sanctuary of Jerusalem after the opportunity won by the Hellenic invaders. All things considered, the Jews have the custom of lighting a candle that lasts 24 hours to recall the anniversary of the death of a friend or family member.
Christianity gave candles and their lights a much more significant importance.
And God said: "Let there be light!" And the light existed "
This is one of the principal things we read about in the Book of Scriptures, the creation of light by God the Father. This is the primary gift from him to the world that He is carrying out, the principal apparent manifestation of his Will, of his Substance, because where there is God there can never again be darkness. Not just that. The light allows us to see, to see the magnificence of the world created by God. Without light, Creation itself would not have an obvious explanation for existence, it would lose a large part of its colossal greatness. A world that cannot be admired doesn't exist.
From this second, then, from this first spark that arises from an act of adoration and will, the idea of ??God is constantly associated with that of light. A light that illuminates, warms, vivifies, supports and 'infects', making the colors that are uncovered, wrapped, taken care of.
Liturgical candles are linked to this idea of ??God comprehended as light and, above all, to Jesus as the Illumination of God. In fact, Jesus is repeatedly defined in Sacred writing as the "light that illuminates the world." https://choecandles.com/nefeli/
« In him was life, and life was the illumination of humanity. This light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not had the option to extinguish it " (John 1:4-5).
« That genuine light, the one that illuminates each human being, came into this world » (John 1: 9)
« By and by Jesus addressed individuals, and said to them: "I'm the radiance of the world. He who follows me won't walk in darkness, however he will have the radiance of life." » (John 8:12)
Light in this case has a flawlessly spiritual value, as an aide in the dark, as information on God who, through His Child, slips upon us, wakes up and makes us worthy of His presence, of His consideration.
Once more it was Jesus himself who told his pupils: " I'm the genuine light " and then: " You are the radiance of the world... so let your light shine before everybody, so they may see your benevolent acts and praise God." your Father who is in heaven " (Matthew 5:16).
Therefore, it is normal that, inside the chapels, the candles are placed on the altar, or near the tabernacle, and that they are the protagonists of the rituals and celebrations.
Not just that, the congregation involves candles in almost all the sacraments, from Baptism to Outrageous Function, as irreplaceable emblematic components.
We want to attempt to be aware and recognize the different liturgical candles, to find their meaning and their importance in the field of sacred customs. next blog
