| The candle is a very powerful symbol in human | | | | light of Jesus. For this reason you will often find a |
| consciousness. There is something about that tiny | | | | candle lit and placed on an alter. Ritually, candles are |
| point of light, flickering, existing and resisting a world | | | | often lit and placed in front of pictures of icons in the |
| that is dark and empty, which speaks to the deepest | | | | orthodox tradition. A votive candle may also be lit to |
| part of the human soul. This is one of the reasons | | | | accompany prayer. Some churches also use a Paschal |
| that candles have such a profound significance in so | | | | candle which represents Jesus, and is only lit on |
| many disparate religions throughout the world. | | | | Easter and other very special occasions. |
| Judaism | | | | Buddhism |
| The candle is a powerful symbol in Judaism, and one | | | | In Buddhism, candles are often placed in front of |
| is lit every Friday night to celebrate the beginning of | | | | statues of the Buddah along with food or drink as a |
| the weekly Sabbath. On Saturday evening, a | | | | sign of respect. Symbolically they represent the light |
| Havdalah candle is lit to mark the end of the Sabbath. | | | | of the Buddah's teaching and the enlightenment they |
| Candles are also used in the Chanukah ceremony, | | | | added to the world. |
| where a candle is lit every evening for eight nights, | | | | Hinduism |
| to commemorate the candle which miraculously | | | | In the Hindu tradition a diya, or clay lamp, is a very |
| burned for eight days, when the Jews recovered | | | | important part of any religious ritual. The lamp holds |
| their temple from the Greek / Persian Invaders. For | | | | the candle during the ceremony, and acts as a |
| the Jewish people, the candles flame represents the | | | | symbol of prosperity and enlightenment. Every year |
| ever burning flame of the divine being. | | | | they also celebrate Diwalli which is also known as the |
| In Judaism a candle is also used to commemorate | | | | festival of light. On this holiday lamps are lit to |
| those who have passed away, and they are often lit | | | | symbolize life and hope and the conquest of good |
| to commemorate a loved one, or those who died | | | | over evil. |
| tragically, such as in the holocaust. | | | | The symbolic nature of a candle gives it significance |
| Christianity | | | | in many of the world's major religions. Whether it |
| In Christianity the candle is used for both religious and | | | | symbolizes the supreme creator, or the hope of |
| decorative purposes. In its decorative function, it is a | | | | mankind, its flickering light is an inspiration to many |
| representation of the Creators light, or specifically the | | | | who behold its glow. |