A Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies in Western Christianity. A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter. It is used throughout the Eastertide and then throughout the year on casualities such as baptisms, funerals and some other special occasions such as the ordination of priests, taking vows or the Consecration of virgins, when the fire from the Paschal candle is carried with a wick to light another liturgical candle, as for example the baptismal candle.
The Paschal candle of Manila Cathedral in 2024.
The Paschal candle with the cross and wax nails, the letters Alpha and Omega, and the year it was dedicated. As the cross reminds to a shepherd's crook, some sheep are depicted below to symbolise the flock.
Deacon chanting the Exultet beside the Paschal candle
Eastertide or Paschaltide is a festal season in the liturgical year of Christianity that focuses on celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Preceded by Lent, it begins on Easter Sunday, which initiates Easter Week in Western Christianity, and Bright Week in Eastern Christianity.
An icon of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is celebrated throughout Eastertide
Easter lilies, a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus, adorn the chancel of a Lutheran church in Baltimore
Bright Week procession (Russian Orthodox Old-Rite Church in Guslitsa)
