Religious Candles
Religious candles are many and varied. Churches and religions have used candles for centuries for spiritual purposes. Most religions or spiritual beliefs incorporate candle lighting as a part of their ceremonies or service. Of course, to each religion candles symbolize different things.
Find, Compare, and Buy Candles - Candle Links
The devotions of the Catholic Church have certain candles dedicated to Saints, Angels, Christ and others. Each saint has a particular strength so each candle has a meaning related to the saint. For example, a candle dedicated to Saint Peter the apostle is lit for strength, mercy, and the forgiveness of ones sins. A candle for St Jude of Thadeus is lit for assistance with the impossible and hopelessness, and St. Gabriel grants wishes to the mortal. The Catholic Church also has candles that represent the holy trinity, the Virgin Mary, and the Crucifixion.
Christians light candles to symbolize the light of Christ. In Buddhist tradition two candles are placed on the altar. The candles represent the dharma or teachings of Buddha. The candle lights the darkness in the way the Buddhists believe their dharma can illuminate the world.Judaism also utilizes candles for many spiritual purposes. Traditionally candles are lit at the start of each week's Sabbath celebration, which takes place on Friday evening. This ceremony is referred to as the Havdalah ceremony.
The word Havdalah's definition is to differentiate or distinguish. During this ceremony they light a braided candle and hold their fingers up to see the light and the shadows on their hands that the candle light feeds. The light symbolizes wisdom and the darkness symbolizes confusion. The hands are held before the flame so the difference between wisdom and confusion can be visualized. When this contrast has been made they gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the wisdom by seeing that wisdom can be found in the midst of confusion. This ceremony marks the end of one week, and the beginning of another. The Shabbat, one level or plane that has come to an end, and the Havdalah, a new week that will carry new understanding from the past. At the end of the Havdalah it is custom to light two more candles with the Havdalah's flame, which is one way to carry the flame a little bit further just as they will carry the wisdom a little bit further.
As you can see there are many candles used in the world's religions. Every candle marks a different intent, and every candle has a symbolic nature. Lighting candles with intention can help enhance your life and spiritual journeys.
©2004-2008 Wise4Living | Contact | Advertising Info | Legal | Privacy | Directory |
