The funeral candle is an attribute of Orthodoxy. When a person dies, it is the light of the candle, dispersing the darkness, serves as a guide for the soul of the deceased. Grieving people hold candles in their hands, believe that a bright meeting with the Lord awaits those who leave for another world. This rite is a silent testimony that a dead person was bright during his life, gave good, dispelled the darkness with his good deeds, blocking the path to truth.
The symbolic meaning of the memorial candle
A memorial candle is a symbol, a reminder to the Lord of a deceased person. People acquire candles for the rite of burial, not only because of the death of a loved one, but as a sign that a person lived in this world. The candlelight is the best evidence of this. It is known that fire from a candle is always directed upwards. Even a tilted candle stretches upward with its light. And so, a pious man in all his thoughts and aspirations should be drawn to God.
During the burial rite, 4 candles on the sides of the coffin symbolize the cross, and a memorial candle in the hands of loved ones during the funeral service means the divine light that every person receives during baptism.
Where and how to put a funeral candle
Any Orthodox church or temple cannot be imagined without candles. This 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 to a place. At home, a person can light a candle and pray for health or repose. 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 called the eve. It has a rectangular shape, unlike a round table where candles are put for health.
A memorial candle is set near the crucifix, which is located on the eve. Christ is the connecting link between life and death, he took upon himself all the sins of the world, dying on the cross without guilt.
How to light a funeral candle
There are no special rules in this regard. It doesn't matter which hand (right or left) you will do this. It is important just not to rush, putting faith and sincere desire in your action to help the soul of a deceased person.
There are several types of church candlesticks . In a sand-filled candle itβs quite easy to put. When installing a candle on a metal candlestick, its bottom needs to be slightly melted over a nearby lamp, so that it subsequently reliably fixes.
What to 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, therefore, setting a 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 dead person in his Kingdom of Heaven and give her peace. You can use a special prayer, which is called - "For the departed."
After prayer in the church, it is good to give alms, asking that those who receive it remember the soul of a deceased person.
How much are funeral candles 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 sanctified, and this is also a necessary ritual of the Christian faith. Buying a candle, you thereby donate your money to the temple.
Memorial candles are different, as well as their prices differ. An ordinary wax memorial candle costs from 5 rubles, prices for candles, which include memorial 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.