A votive candle is a small candle that a worshiper lights as an offering of prayer. In many American churches, people place it in a stand before an altar, icon, or sacred image and associate it with a prayer, thanksgiving, memorial, or request. The lit flame represents prayer and divine light.
What does “votive” mean?
The word comes from Latin votum, meaning a vow. A votive offering was something given to fulfill a promise made to God or a saint. In present church practice, a person usually does not have to make a formal vow when lighting a candle. The candle can simply mark a prayerful intention, gratitude for answered prayer, or remembrance of someone.
How is it used in different traditions?
Catholic churches commonly place banks of thin candles near images of saints, the Blessed Sacrament, or an altar. In Orthodox churches, worshippers light slender tapers before icons, often placing them in a stand filled with sand. Anglican and Episcopal churches may offer votive candles in side chapels, while Lutheran and other Protestant congregations also use them. The specific stand, location, and style differ by congregation.
A votive candle should not be confused with the sanctuary lamp, which marks a particular sacred presence or location and may burn continuously. A votive candle is normally associated with an individual worshipper’s intention. Seasonal candles, such as the Christ candle or Paschal candle, also differ: they belong to the church’s worship and are lit for set liturgical occasions.
What does lighting one accomplish?
Lighting the candle is an outward sign of an inward prayer. People may pray for someone who is ill, for a family, for peace, for the dead, or in gratitude. Some Christians also ask the Blessed Virgin Mary or a saint to intercede; others direct their petition only to God. The candle represents and accompanies the prayer rather than replacing it.
Candle color may have a local meaning, such as white for a memorial or another color for a particular intention, but there is no single universal color code.
What should a first-time visitor do?
Look for a candle stand near an altar, shrine, or icon. Many churches provide tapers or small glass candles and place a donation box or posted price nearby; some also sell electric candles. Light only with the flame or switch provided, and follow any instruction about where to place it. If a candle is meant to burn for a set period, the church may extinguish it later. Leave the area clean and ask a staff member or usher if you are unsure where your candle belongs.
For other unfamiliar objects in the worship space, see altar, or review the guide to attending church for the first time. A spoken prayer needs no special wording; silently name the person or concern for which you are praying.