What is a baptism candle?

baptism candles are a long-standing ritual in many Christian churches, symbolizing the cleansing and sanctification of a newly baptized person. This celebrated practice has been part of the theology of all churches that practice Christian communion for centuries. The candle, which is often lit during baptisms, is loaded with great symbolic significance.

The light of the baptismal candle symbolizes Jesus' role as light, guiding and teaching those who are baptized into new life within the church community. It also symbolizes the light of faith that comes with baptism, as it reminds those baptized of their entry into the life-long journey of conversion to a more perfect grace under God. Furthermore, light is seen as a sign of holiness and purity, serving as an outward reminder of how baptism itself purifies and sanctifies those baptized.

Typically, baptism candles look just like any other candle: tall white wax tapers complete with wicks. However, each individual church or denomination may attach different rituals to their own use and interpretation of what such candles represent. In some churches the bishop or other official will hold the completed candle and use it to make signs on the forehead of those baptized in imitation of Jesus' action towards his disciples when he said "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." For example, in Roman Catholic ceremonies it is traditional for a godparent to present their new godchild with his/her own baptismal candle lit as part of this tradition.