The Paschal candle is the large candle blessed and lit at the Easter Vigil. It stands in a tall holder — the Paschal candlestick — and remains in the sanctuary throughout Eastertide. After Pentecost it is usually moved to the baptistery and lit at baptisms and funerals. The stand is a permanent piece of sanctuary furniture, and it needs to be chosen with the same care as the altar candlesticks.
Paschal Candle vs Paschal Candlestick
The Paschal candle is the candle itself: a large, decorated candle that represents the Risen Christ. The Paschal candlestick is the stand that holds it. The candle is blessed and lit at the Easter Vigil; the stand is the stable, tall holder that makes the candle visible and safe.
| Paschal candle | Paschal candlestick | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A large decorated candle | A tall stand for the candle |
| Typical height | 60–120 cm | 120–180 cm |
| Use | Easter Vigil, Eastertide, baptisms, funerals | Holds the candle in the sanctuary or baptistery |
| Material | Beeswax or paraffin blend | Brass, bronze, wood or stone |
What the Paschal Candle Represents
The Paschal candle represents Christ, the Light of the World, rising from the dead. It is blessed at the Easter Vigil, carried in procession into the darkened church, and marked with the cross, the Alpha and Omega, the current year and the five grains of incense. The five grains recall the five wounds of Christ. The candle is lit at the Exsultet and remains in the sanctuary until Pentecost.
How Tall Should a Paschal Candlestick Be?
Most Paschal candlesticks are between 1.2 m and 1.8 m high. The stand should raise the candle above the altar and make it visible from the nave, but it should not dominate the sanctuary. The base must be wide and heavy enough that the candle cannot tip, and the socket must fit the candle diameter. If the stand is too short, the candle disappears behind the altar; if it is too tall, it can look unstable.
Where Should the Paschal Candle Stand?
During the Easter Vigil and Eastertide, the Paschal candle stands in a prominent place in the sanctuary, usually near the ambo or the altar. After Pentecost, it is moved to the baptistery, where it is lit at baptisms and funerals. The stand should be placed so that the candle can be reached safely and so that the flame is not near curtains, banners or floral arrangements.
Choosing a Paschal Candlestick
- Height: 1.2–1.8 m, in proportion to the sanctuary.
- Base: wide and weighted; the candle must not tip.
- Socket: sized to the Paschal candle.
- Material: brass or bronze for durability; wood or stone for a particular interior.
- Mobility: some stands have wheels or a carrying handle for the move to the baptistery.
Care and Safety
Dust the stand regularly and remove wax after it cools. Check the socket and the base before each Easter season. Keep the candle away from drafts and from flammable decorations. When the candle is lit, make sure the stand is stable and that the flame is not near the edge of the sanctuary. Use a snuffer to extinguish the candle; never blow it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Paschal candlestick?
A: A Paschal candlestick is the tall stand that holds the Paschal candle. It is usually 1.2–1.8 m high, with a wide base and a socket sized to the candle. It is used at the Easter Vigil and throughout Eastertide.
Q: How tall is a Paschal candle?
A: Most Paschal candles are 60–120 cm high. The exact size depends on the stand and the sanctuary. The candle should be large enough to be visible and to burn throughout the Easter season.
Q: When is the Paschal candle lit?
A: It is lit at the Easter Vigil, during the Easter season, and at baptisms and funerals throughout the year. It is normally extinguished after the celebration and is not lit outside those occasions.
Q: What do the five grains of incense mean?
A: The five grains of incense inserted into the Paschal candle represent the five wounds of Christ. They are part of the symbolism of the candle, along with the cross, the Alpha and Omega and the current year.
Q: Where is the Paschal candle kept after Pentecost?
A: It is usually moved to the baptistery, where it is lit at baptisms and funerals. In some churches it is kept in a prominent place in the sanctuary or sacristy. The stand should be stable and accessible.
Q: Can any tall candlestick be used as a Paschal candlestick?
A: Not safely. The Paschal candle is much larger and heavier than an altar candle, and the stand must be designed for that size and weight. Use a stand with a wide base and a socket that fits the candle.
Related Reading
Read the full Paschal Candle guide and browse our altar candlesticks. For the sanctuary, see how to set up a Catholic church sanctuary.
