Memorial candle is an attribute of Orthodoxy. When a person dies, it is the flame of a candle that, dispelling the darkness, serves as a guide for the soul of the deceased. Grieving people hold candles in their hands, they believe that a bright meeting with the Lord awaits those who leave for another world. This rite is a silent evidence that the deceased person was bright during his lifetime, gave good, dispelled the darkness blocking the path to the truth with his good deeds.
The symbolic meaning of the funeral candle
A funeral candle is a symbol, a reminder to the Lord of a deceased person. People acquire candles for the burial rite not only because of the death of a loved one, but as a sign that a person lived in this world. The light of a funeral candle is the best proof of this. It is known that the fire from a candle is always directed upwards. Even a tilted candle reaches upwards with its light. This is how a pious person in all his thoughts and aspirations should reach out to God.
During the burial ceremony, 4 candles on the sides of the coffin symbolize the cross, and the funeral candle in the hands of relatives and friends during the memorial service means the Divine light that receiveseach person at the time of baptism.
Where and how to put a funeral candle
Any Orthodox church or temple cannot be imagined without candles. It is a human sacrifice to God. The clergy say that there is no huge difference in what a person donates - money or a candle - no.
Prayer is not limited by place. At home, a person can light a candle and pray for he alth or peace. In the church, for order, there are specially designated places for these rituals.
Memorial candles in the church are a visible confirmation of human prayer. These candles are placed on a special table, which is called eve. It has a rectangular shape, unlike a round table where candles are placed for he alth.
The funeral candle is set near the crucifix, which is on the eve. Christ is the link between life and death, he took upon himself all the sins of the world, dying on the cross without guilt.
How to properly light a memorial candle
There are no special rules in this regard. It doesn't matter which hand (right or left) you use. It is important to simply take your time, putting faith and a sincere desire to help the soul of a deceased person with your prayer.
Church candlesticks are of several types. It is enough just to put a candle in a sand-filled candle. When installing a candle on a metal candlestick, its bottom must be melted a little over the light next to it, so that it subsequently securely fastens.
Whatto do after the memorial candle is installed
The main purpose of visiting the temple is a prayer for the repose of the soul of the deceased. A candle is a visual image of prayer, so after setting the candle while it is burning, you need to stand and pray.
You can pray in your own words, asking God to accept the soul of a deceased person into his Kingdom of Heaven and give her peace. You can use a special prayer, which is called “For the Dead”.
After prayer in the church, it is good to distribute alms, asking those who received it to remember the soul of a deceased person.
How much do funeral candles cost and where to buy them
Church candles, of course, are bought only in the temple, because they mean the union between the temple and the person. It is also important that all church candles are consecrated, and this is also a necessary ritual of the Christian faith. By buying a candle, you thereby donate your money to the temple.
Funeral candles are different, as well as their prices are different. An ordinary wax funeral candle costs from 5 rubles, the prices for candles, which include funeral verses from relatives and friends, range from 50 to 400 rubles apiece.
It must be remembered that a candle is just a visual image that helps in turning to God, the main thing here is faith, pure thoughts and sincere prayer.
