Why Candles Are Used In Religious Ceremonies

Candles are a great idea today when it comes to relaxing and just lying down. But before that, other than for light, they have been used for several religious ceremonies. And most people don’t understand why. The primary way of thinking is that most religions are the light in a dark world. Having a candle may be an idea of them trying to shine their light on the planet. but that’s just a thought; here are some ideas of why candles are used at religious ceremonies.

One of the most popular religions in the world today has got to be Christianity. Looking at it currently, you may think that Christianity started candles as part of religion, but candles predate the Christian faith. The candles in Christianity are all about the representation of Christ. Look at it this way, Christ was the light of the world, and a candle can be one and still light up a room. So it’s all about representation when it comes to Christianity.

Buddhism has many traditions embedded in it, and candles can be used to commemorate some of them. For Buddhism, candles are rarely used alone – in most cases; they are combined with incense to mark different ideas and produce different scents to enhance the experience. You can find scented candles online or at your local bed and bath store that can be used in these Buddhist rituals. For example, when a candle is lit, it can be to represent a mark of respect. On the other hand, in some instances, it can be a mark of deference. In Thai, before the Buddhist Lent, the people celebrate candle season. This is usually done one day before Lent, which is in July every year. During the festivals, to welcome Lent, several people gather with their ornamented candles to march. The central concept of the candles, though for this religion, is all about the enlightenment of the Buddha.

Overall, the same way that the above religions use the candle is almost the same way that Judaism uses it. But they go a notch higher and use it to evoke quiet and calm environments to reconnect. This is their place of worship where candles don’t play a huge role. The most significant role that is played by candles when it comes to Judaism is at home. The first reason that a candle is used here is to celebrate Hanukkah – this is where a nine-branched candelabrum is lit. This is done for eight consequent nights. The idea for this celebration is to commemorate the rededication of the second Temple – this was in the 2nd BC. The Temple in question is the Temple in Jerusalem. Candles then also play a massive part in the Judaism Sabbath – from Friday night to Saturday night.