The History Behind Blessed Candles
Vigil candles, those that we light in memory of loved ones, stand as a reminder to others of the light of faith that shines forth from their souls. They are not in the darkness of death but in the light of heaven with their glowing spirit When a candle is lit in memory of a loved one or a sick loved one that is going to die, it is thought to help the person pass on to a better life and that light is joined with the other lit candles from previous lighters and the prayers are together as one to help them.
Candles are symbolic — sacramental’s in a way that most people that practice this religious belief, regularly feel it is a must when a person dies. So basically the candle represents the person’s prayer. The flame is the light of life, charity and devotion, dwelling in the person praying, the smoke is the prayer rising to God’s throne in heaven. Candles are like incense, which is referred to 89 times in the bible in connection with divine worship (liturgy) — or in some cases, idolatrous worship; see Psalm 66:15 and 141:2 and again in Revelations. So the tradition of candles, lamps and incense goes back to the Jewish usage, far beyond the catacombs of early Christian times.
Most religious candles can be seen outside many homes of passed loved ones and even Hollywood stars passing. Some candles are lit if the passer or deceased died in a tragic way, or young or even after long periods of suffering. This was particularly seen during the death of Princess Diana and even the sudden and tragic death of Heath Ledger. If you are Catholic or even of a different religion and you feel a candle must be lit in lue of being present in a death of someone you know or even of a Hollywood Celebrities, lit away. If it makes you feel more at peace, it will only add to the prayers of others, in hopes the spirit passes on without hesitation. (Source: Some information pulled from Green Spun)
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