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Make A Paschal Candle for Your Home

Paschal

 

The term paschal relates to the Passover or Easter in the Christian tradition. It derives from the Latin paschalis and Greek pascha, rooted in the Hebrew pesach (Passover). In Christianity, it specifically refers to the events surrounding Jesus’ Passion, death, and resurrection, celebrated during Holy Week and Easter. The word can describe anything connected to this season—like the Paschal Mystery (Christ’s redemptive work) or the Paschal Candle (lit at Easter to symbolize the risen Christ). It carries a sense of sacrifice, liberation, and new life, tying the Jewish Passover’s deliverance to Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb.

Make a Family Paschal Candle

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Creating a homemade Paschal Candle is a wonderful way to bring this tradition into your home, especially for Holy Week or Easter Sunday celebrations. 

 

Family Integration into Holy Week - On Easter Sunday: Use it as a centerpiece for your feast, letting each kid say something they love about Jesus’ rising before lighting it.

 

Materials:

  • Candle Base:

    • A tall, thick white pillar candle (at least 2-3 inches wide and 8-12 inches tall, available at craft stores or online). Beeswax is traditional but optional—any white candle works.

  • Decorations:

    • Red and black markers, paint, or stickers (for the cross, year, and letters)

    • Five cloves, push pins, or small nails (for the wounds)

    • Optional: Gold or silver paint/markers for extra flair

  • Tools:

    • A pencil (to sketch designs lightly)

    • Scissors (if using paper/stickers)

    • Matches or a lighter (for lighting later)

  • Optional Add-Ons:

    • Wax sheets or crayons to melt and drip for texture

    • Ribbon or twine for a base wrap

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Steps:

  1. Prepare the Candle:

    • Set up a workspace (cover the table with newspaper if painting).

    • Choose a candle with a flat top for stability and easy marking.

  2. Mark the Symbols:

    • Cross: Draw or paint a simple red cross in the center (about 3-4 inches tall). You can outline it in black or gold for contrast.

    • Alpha and Omega: Above the cross, write “Α” (Alpha) and below it “Ω” (Omega) in black or gold—keep it bold so it stands out.

    • Year: Write “2025” around the cross (one digit in each quadrant—2 above, 0 left, 2 right, 5 below) or stack it vertically beside it.

    • Five Wounds: Push five cloves or pins into the candle—two on the cross’s arms, two at the top and bottom, and one in the center (forming a cross pattern).

  3. Decorate (Optional):

    • Kids can add small designs—flowers, rays of light, or a dove—around the base with markers or paint.

    • Drip melted wax (from a colored crayon) for a textured “holy” look, or tie a ribbon around the bottom.

  4. Bless It as a Family:

    • Gather around the candle on Holy Saturday evening or Easter Sunday.

    • Say a short prayer, like: “Lord Jesus, Light of the World, bless this candle as a sign of Your Resurrection. May it shine in our home as You shine in our hearts. Amen.”

    • Light it from a match or another candle (mimicking the Vigil’s fire).

  5. Use It:

    • Light it during Easter prayers, meals, or story time (e.g., reading John 20:1-9).

    • Keep it burning safely during Easter week, then save it for baptisms, special feasts, or next year’s Holy Saturday prep.

 

Kid-Friendly Tips:

  • Let younger kids pick colors or stick on pre-cut letters (use adhesive paper).

  • If pins feel tricky, glue cloves or draw dots with a marker for the wounds.

  • Turn it into a story: “This candle is Jesus’ light—where should we put His cross?”

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Safety Note:

  • Supervise kids with candles and matches. Use a sturdy holder and never leave it unattended when lit.

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