Exhibition in the Old Church of Delft
DEATH - Remember Me (Part 3)
A CANDLE FOR THE DEAD
'Lighting a candle for someone' is a familiar expression and a universal gesture of remembrance and comfort. In almost all cultures and religions, light symbolises life, truth and hope. Lighting a candle in the darkness is a powerful ritual. It dispels not only literal darkness but also the figurative darkness of grief.
The significance of lighting a candle extends far beyond the boundaries of any single faith or culture. You find it everywhere: whether in a church or temple, at a memorial or at home, lighting a candle can provide a moment of silence and reflection, a way to focus our attention on those we miss or worry about.
Essentially, it's about bringing light into darkness, an act meant to express comfort and hope in difficult times. As an old wisdom says:
'When it is dark, light a candle.'
For whom will you light a candle today? And what is your wish or prayer for them?
SYMBOLISM
The practice of lighting candles has deep roots in many traditions. In the 14th century, theologian Simeon of Thessalonica wrote about the symbolism of candles in the church.
He attributed six meanings to them:
- Purity of the soul
- Malleability of the soul
- Divine grace
- Spiritual growth
- Light of Christ
- Love and peace
Simeon advised lighting candles for both the living and the dead when entering a church. A separate candle for each person. 'And let the lighting of each candle be accompanied by a prayer. For the living, believers ask for God's protection; for the deceased, they pray for God's compassion and eternal rest.'