The symbolism of the Paschal candle
By Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission
Alleluia! Christ is risen! And here we are at Easter where we celebrate in a special way this great joy of Christ’s Resurrection.
One of the symbols of the Easter season is the Easter or Paschal candle. Understandably, as with some of the ancient traditions of the Church, it is difficult to know the origins of the Easter candle, though some suggest it has its origin in the fourth century Roman tradition of lighting candles on Easter night.
The present celebration of light begins with a fire being lit outside the church with the people gathered around (not this COVID year, however, as the people will remain in the church). The candle is prepared by tracing the sign of the cross on it along with the alpha and omega signs (since Jesus is the beginning and the end) and the year.
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