Why do we light candles for the dead

The practice of lighting candles for the dead has many meanings. Some light candles to honor a memory or pay tribute to a well-lived life. Several religious groups light candles during a funeral or memorial service to symbolize the beauty and brevity of life. Still, others hold that lighting a candle for someone who has died somehow amplifies prayers and aids the deceased's spirit.

Lighting a candle in memory of a loved one who has died—in a church or your home—is a fine way to remember and honor their life. Just as a flame brings light, warmth, and beauty to all close to it, a lit candle reminds the living of the positive contributions the departed made in life. 

Somehow, the soothing flicker of a candle brings comfort—it reminds the living that departed believers are in the presence of the "Father of light" (James 1:17). The flame also acts prompts our minds to remember the good Father has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11) to one day resurrect and unite all who live and die with the light of the Spirit in their heart.  

Lighting a candle touches many senses. The flame is warm to the touch; the aroma is pleasing. Our eyes are drawn to the light, and the faint sound of the flicker of the flame is melodic and peaceful. The light pierces the darkness and helps protect, warm, and show the way. These qualities make a candle more than the sum of its parts—which is another reason many light candles in honor of the deceased. 

The many positive attributes of candles can symbolize the many positive attributes of those who have died. Often, the impact others make in our world is only realized after careful reflection—candles aid in that task. Remembering the life contributions of others honors their memory and helps to keep them alive in our hearts.

And just as the sweet aroma of a candle remains even after the flame is no more, so does the memory of a well-lived life. Lighting candles can help the grieving focus on the beauty that remains more than on what was lost. 

Special traditions

Our Jewish friends celebrate a ritual known as Yahrtzeit. This ritual involves lighting a candle and saying prayers on the evening of the anniversary of the death of a close loved one. Close family members are to observe the practice for as long as they live to ensure precious memories are not forgotten. 

Catholics celebrate All Saints Day on November 1. The holiday launches a one-month-long time of honoring and praying for the dead. Lighting candles—in the home and the church—is an important part of this ritual. Catholics have formal guidelines regarding using candles to pray for the dead. The guidelines include:

•       Purchasing an appropriate candle.
•       Having your candle blessed (preferably by a priest).
•       Determining the best time of the day to light the candle. This decision of often best made in conjunction with church leaders if the intent is for the candle to be lit in a parish. It is common to light a candle at home during holy hour (3:00 pm), the time that Jesus died on the cross.
•       Praying as your candle is lit and burns. We have included sample prayers HERE.

Many allow their candles to self-extinguish. The ideal protocol is to let your candle self-extinguish or to snuff out (rather than blowing out) the flame. 

These guidelines flow from centuries of tradition.

Lighting candles for the deceased can take on many forms and is associated with many traditions. But in almost every case, the practice is designed to honor the dead and comfort the living.