Pure Beeswax, Living Flame & Sacrifice: Why Candles Stand on Every Catholic Altar
From the Easter Exsultet chant to traditional beeswax altar candles, uncover the rich Christological symbolism of wax, wick, and living light.
1. Christ the Morning Star Who Never Sets
Since the earliest centuries when lamps illuminated Roman catacombs, Christian liturgy has seen in the burning candle an eloquent icon of Jesus Christ, Light from Light, dispersing the darkness of sin and death.
2. Wax, Wick, and Flame: Threefold Christological Meaning
Classical liturgical commentators—from Saint Anselm to the Easter Vigil Exsultet—saw pure beeswax as a symbol of Christ’s spotless humanity born of the Virgin Mary, the hidden wick as His human soul, and the radiant flame as His Divinity.
3. Self-Giving Charity That Spends Itself to Give Light
A candle shines only by gently consuming itself—reminding every Christian called to be “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) that authentic love warms others through generous sacrifice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beeswax burns cleanly with a warm golden glow and mild honeyed scent without soot, traditionally symbolizing purity and the Easter Exsultet hymn.
A continuously burning red-glass oil or wax lamp signifying Christ’s Real Presence reserved inside the Tabernacle.