Paschal candle
The Paschal candle is a large, white candle used at liturgy in the Western Rites of Christianity (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, etc.). A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter, and is used throughout the Paschal season which is during Easter and then throughout the year on special occasions, such as baptisms and funerals.
Meaning of the Paschal candle
The flame of the Paschal candle symbolizes the eternal presence of Christ, light of the world in the midst of his people; he who is the Second Person of the Trinity, the Alpha and Omega. The Paschal candle is sometimes referred to as the "Easter candle" or the "Christ candle." The term "Paschal" comes from the word Pesach, which in Hebrew means Passover, and relates to the Paschal mystery of salvation.
The equivalent of the Paschal candle in the Western Orthodox Church is the Paschal trikirion which differs both in style and usage.
Description of the Paschal candle
For congregations that use a Paschal candle it is the largest candle in the worship space. In most cases today the candle will display several common symbols: