Preparing a sanctuary for worship is an act of devotion, and every element placed upon the altar serves a profound purpose. Among the most visibly striking and spiritually significant of these elements is the warm, flickering glow of altar candles.
Whether it is a quiet daily Mass or a joyous Easter Vigil, altar candles do more than just provide light. They set the tone for reverence and draw the congregation’s eyes toward the sacred action of the liturgy.
However, for the church administrators, sacristans, and clergy tasked with procuring church supplies, choosing the right candles can be surprisingly complex. From understanding the differences in wax composition to calculating burn times and navigating specific liturgical size requirements, there’s a lot to consider.
In this ultimate guide, we will explore the history and traditions of altar candles, compare beeswax and paraffin, and offer expert care tips to ensure your sanctuary always shines brightly.
The Spiritual Significance: Why Candles are Important in Mass
The use of candles in church services dates back to the earliest days of Christianity. Initially, they were born out of a practical necessity to provide light in the dark catacombs where early Christians gathered in secret.
Over the centuries, however, candles took on a more symbolic meaning. In the context of the Mass, lit altar candles represent Jesus Christ as the "Light of the World." The flame symbolizes His divine presence, illuminating the darkness of sin and death.
In fact, the very composition of a traditional candle carries meaning: the pure wax represents the sinless humanity of Christ, the wick represents His soul, and the flame signifies His divinity.
Because of this symbolism, the Church requires that candles be lit during the celebration of the Eucharist and other liturgical rites. The presence of the flame acts as a visual cue to the congregation that a sacred event is taking place, fostering an atmosphere of prayer, joy, and reverence.
Material Matters: Beeswax vs. Paraffin
When shopping for altar candles, the most critical decision revolves around the material. The two primary options you will encounter are beeswax and paraffin (or stearine) blends.
Traditional Beeswax Altar Candles
For centuries, the Church has held a strong preference (and in many traditions, a strict requirement) for the use of beeswax in altar candles. According to Catholic tradition, the candles used on the altar for Mass must contain a significant percentage of pure beeswax, typically mandated as a minimum of 51% beeswax.
Why beeswax? The worker bees that produce the wax are historically seen as symbols of purity and virginity, drawing a parallel to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the pure body of Christ.
Beyond the spiritual symbolism, beeswax is superior for liturgical use on a practical level, too. It is a natural, sustainable resource that burns longer, brighter, and significantly cleaner than other waxes. Beeswax altar candles produce less soot, which protects your church's valuable artwork, vestments, and painted ceilings from smoke damage over time. They also emit a subtle, naturally sweet aroma that enhances the sensory experience of the sanctuary.
Paraffin Altar Candles
Paraffin wax is a petroleum-based product that is widely used in commercial candle making. Paraffin candles are generally less expensive to produce, making them a budget-friendly option. Stearine, often derived from animal or vegetable fats, is frequently blended with paraffin to make the candles harder and raise their melting point.
While 100% paraffin candles are not traditionally appropriate for the main altar during Mass due to liturgical guidelines regarding beeswax, they still have a place in a parish's overall church supply. Stearine and paraffin candles are often used for congregational candlelight services, outdoor processions, or as non-liturgical decorative lighting in parish halls.
When outfitting your main sanctuary, investing in 51% (or higher) beeswax altar candles is always the best choice for both liturgical obedience and long-term care of your church interior.
Altar Candle Sizes and Placement Traditions
If you have ever flipped through a church supply catalog, you know that altar candles come in a dizzying array of sizes. Choosing the right size requires balancing the scale of your altar, the proportions of your altar candlesticks, and the traditions of the Church.
Understanding Altar Candle Sizing
Altar candles are generally measured by their diameter and their height (e.g., 1 ½" x 12"). When ordering, the most critical measurement is the diameter, as the candle must fit snugly and securely into the socket of your altar candlesticks. A candle that is too small will lean and drip unevenly, while a candle that is too large will require carving down, which can compromise its structural integrity.
Placement and Number of Altar Candles
The placement and number of altar candles used during a service vary depending on the specific liturgy and the degree of festivity. The general rules are as follows:
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Two Candles: Typically used for a standard daily Mass or a low-key celebration, placed on either side of the altar or the tabernacle.
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Four Candles: Often used on Sundays and standard feast days to elevate the solemnity of the occasion.
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Six Candles: Reserved for Sundays and major feast days (like Christmas and Easter) or when the Diocesan Bishop is celebrating Mass. These are traditionally arranged symmetrically, with three on each side of the crucifix.
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Seven Candles: Used only when the Bishop of the Diocese celebrates a Pontifical High Mass.
When purchasing, it is wise to maintain an inventory of varying heights to create a visually appealing "step" effect if your candlesticks are designed for it, or to ensure you always have matching heights for symmetrical placement.
The Catholic tradition has many other special candles, such as Paschal candles, Christ candles, and Advent candles. These candles have rules and traditions of their own, separate from standard altar candles.
Care and Replacement Tips for Altar Candles
Proper care of your altar candles not only ensures a beautiful, reverent appearance but also extends the life of the candles, maximizing your church supply budget. Here are some tips to help manage the aesthetic of your altar candles.
1. Always Use Candle Followers (Burners)
A candle follower (or burner) is a brass or glass cap that sits on top of the candle. Candle followers are both aesthetically beautiful and functional!
The follower traps the heat, allowing the wax to pool and burn evenly down the center rather than dripping down the sides. This prevents messy wax spills on your altar linens and dramatically increases the burn time of the candle. Ensure your followers perfectly match the diameter of your candles for best results.
2. Trim the Wicks Regularly
Before lighting an altar candle, check the wick. It should be trimmed to about 1/4 inch. A wick that is too long will cause the flame to smoke, flicker wildly, and consume the wax too quickly.
3. Extinguish with a Snuffer
Never blow out an altar candle. Blowing spreads hot wax onto the altar cloth, candlestick, and even the person extinguishing the flame. Always use a proper brass candle snuffer to gently and cleanly extinguish the flame without splatter.
4. Know When to Replace
Do not let a candle burn all the way down into the socket of the candlestick. The concentrated heat can damage the metal socket and make the remaining wax incredibly difficult to remove. Replace altar candles when there are still one to two inches of wax remaining above the socket.
5. Proper Storage
Store your backup inventory of altar candles in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in attics or near heating vents, as extreme heat can warp beeswax. Keep them lying flat to prevent bowing.
Let Chiarelli’s Illuminate Your Sanctuary
Navigating the nuances of liturgical requirements, wax percentages, and precise diameters can feel overwhelming. That is why having a reliable, expert church supply partner is so important.
For over eight decades, Chiarelli's Religious Goods has been helping parishes select the perfect altar candles to illuminate their sanctuaries. As a fourth-generation family-owned business, we understand the deep significance of the items we sell, and we pride ourselves on delivering exactly what your church needs with honesty, loyalty, and unmatched reliability.
Whether you prefer to order over our website, via email, by phone, or by paying us a visit at our New Hyde Park location, Chiarelli’s is here to serve you. We look forward to welcoming you into our family and helping your parish shine brightly for decades to come!