If you have ever been to an Easter Vigil, you know the moment — the church is completely dark, and then a single flame appears at the door. A deacon or priest carries a tall, beautifully decorated candle through the darkness, singing “The Light of Christ” while the congregation responds “Thanks be to God.” One by one, each person’s small candle is lit from that flame until the whole church glows.
That candle is the Paschal Candle — and it is one of the most beautiful and meaningful symbols in the entire Catholic Church.
This post will help you explain the Paschal Candle to your children in a simple, meaningful way, with free printables to help them remember what each symbol means.
What Is the Paschal Candle?
The Paschal Candle is a large, decorated candle that is blessed and lit at the beginning of the Easter Vigil — the Mass celebrated on Holy Saturday night, the night before Easter Sunday. It is the first light of Easter, symbolizing Jesus Christ rising from the darkness of death into glorious new life.
The word Paschal comes from the Hebrew word Pesach, meaning Passover. Just as God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, Jesus frees us from sin and death through His Resurrection. The Paschal Candle reminds us of this every time we see it.
The Easter Vigil — When the Candle Is Lit
The Easter Vigil is the most important Mass of the entire year. It begins in complete darkness outside the church, where a new fire is blessed and lit. From this new fire, the Paschal Candle is lit for the first time.
The deacon or priest then carries the candle into the dark church in a procession, stopping three times to sing “The Light of Christ” — each time a little louder, filling the church with song and with light.
The flame is then shared — each person in the church lights their small candle from the one next to them, until the entire church is glowing. This is a powerful image of how the light of Jesus spreads from person to person, from heart to heart, from generation to generation.
Reflection question for kids: At the Easter Vigil, everyone shares the light from the Paschal Candle.
Who in your life has shared the light of faith with you? Who would you like to share it with?
The Symbols on the Paschal Candle
The Paschal Candle is not just a plain candle — every detail on it tells part of the story of Jesus. Here is what each symbol means:
The Cross
The large cross traced in the center of the candle is the most prominent symbol. It reminds us that Jesus died on the Cross on Good Friday out of love for us. His death was not the end — it was the door to our salvation and to His glorious Resurrection.
The Alpha and Omega
At the top of the cross is the Greek letter Alpha (Α) — the first letter of the Greek alphabet. At the bottom is Omega (Ω) — the last. Together they remind us of the words of Jesus in the Book of Revelation:
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” — Revelation 22:13
Jesus existed before time began and will be there at the end of all things. He is eternal.
The Year
The current year is inscribed on the candle. This is a beautiful and often overlooked detail. It reminds us that Jesus is not just a figure from the past. He is Lord of this year, this moment, your life right now.
The Five Grains of Incense
Five small grains of incense — or sometimes five nail-shaped studs — are pressed into the candle in the pattern of a cross. They represent the five wounds Jesus received during His Passion:
- His two hands
- His two feet
- His side, pierced by a lance
As each grain is pressed into the candle during the blessing, the priest prays ancient words asking Christ to guard and protect His Church.
The Flame
The flame of the Paschal Candle represents Jesus Himself — the Light of the World. It is never just decorative. When the candle is lit, Christ is present among us in a special way, driving out the darkness of sin and death.
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12
The Paschal Candle Throughout the Year
After the Easter Vigil, the Paschal Candle is not put away — it stays lit and visible in the sanctuary throughout the Easter Season, which lasts fifty days until Pentecost Sunday. Every time you go to Mass during this time, you will see it burning near the altar as a reminder that Christ is risen and alive among us.
After Pentecost, the candle is moved to a place of honor near the baptismal font — the place where people are baptized and welcomed into the Church. This is fitting because Baptism is our own personal Easter — the moment we die to sin and rise to new life in Christ, just as Jesus did.
You will see the Paschal Candle lit again at two other important moments:
Baptisms — The flame of the Paschal Candle is used to light the baptismal candle given to the newly baptized, symbolizing that they are now sharing in the light of Christ.
Funerals — The Paschal Candle is placed beside the casket during a Catholic funeral Mass. It reminds us that this person was baptized into Christ — and that death is not the end. Just as Jesus rose from the tomb, those who belong to Him are called to share in that same Resurrection.
Free Paschal Candle Printables for Kids
To help your children remember the symbols and meaning of the Paschal Candle, I’ve created two free printables perfect for Holy Week, Easter Vigil preparation, or religious education class.
👇 Download your free Paschal Candle Coloring Page: Download Free Paschal Candle Coloring Page PDF
👇 Download your free Paschal Candle Word Search: Download Free Paschal Candle Word Search PDF
Looking for more Easter and Holy Week resources? You might also enjoy:
- Free Lent Activities for Kids
- The Passion of Jesus Explained for Kids
- Free Mass Worksheets and Activities
