paschal candles

Large candles used in Western churches during Paschaltide. The tradition of paschal candles is a very old one, probably dating to the fourth century. A paschal candle is first lit with newly blessed fire during the Easter vigil service after being marked with the sign of the cross, an alpha and an omega, and the year. After this service the candle is lit during liturgical functions until Ascension Day when it is extinguished after the gospel reading. The lit paschal candle symbolizes the powers of darkness and death being driven away by the Resurrection of Christ.