01/29/2010

Church Candles

The usage of church candles crosses all kinds of denominations. Most denominations usually have a preference into the kind of candle that they use for their church or services.

Church Candles for Different Denomination

For instance, the candles that the Roman Catholic Church uses have to be made from at least 51% beeswax. If it's an Orthodox church, the requirement would be that it is 100% beeswax.

Beeswax is a pricey ingredient. Because of this, the stubs of these beeswax candles are usually recycled and made into new candles. On the other hand, some denominations only require that candles be organic.

Common church candles that other denominations use would be vegetable wax candles. They burn efficiently and have long burning hours; moreover, they are quite affordable.

Using church candles have become a long tradition. Candles that are used today for our ceremonies and traditions were also equally celebrated in the traditions and celebrations in olden times.

Let's check out how these important candles evolved and how they were used during ancient times.

Originally, Egyptians used candles to conduct exorcisms, find treasures or perform other rituals. The use of church candles was not exactly a welcome thought to the Roman Catholic Church.

Since it was primary tool used in pagan worship, the church had its hesitations. However, when the 4th century came, it slowly integrated the use of these candles into the common Christian rituals.

Despite its admittance into the church, candles were still prohibited from being used in the altar because of the association it had with witchcraft.

Only during the Middle Ages when the church decided that they would consecrate and bless the candles so that it can be used in the altar. The candles were then also used for blessings and absolving sins as well as driving out demons.

The candles usage has certainly treaded a long path. People have used these candles in so many ways for a very long time that its meaning has become amalgamated into our lives and special events that we celebrate. In addition, the church candles of today serve a great function in our faith and will continue to do so as long as we allow it to be.

Also, try to visit on our Church Candles Collections.

Jan 29, 2010 11:57:21 PM | Religion

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