A memorial candle is a guide for the soul of the deceased

The memorial candle is an attribute of Orthodoxy. When a person dies, it is the spark of a candle, dispersing darkness, that serves as a guide for the soul of the deceased. Grieving people hold candles in their hands, they believe that a bright meeting with the Lord is waiting for someone who leaves for another world. This rite - silent evidence that the deceased person during his life was bright, gave good, dispelled his good deeds darkness, obstructing the path to truth.

The symbolic value of a funeral candle

A memorial candle is a symbol, a reminder to the Lord of a deceased person. People acquire candles for burial rites not only because of the death of a loved one, but as a sign that a person lived in this world. The light of a memorial candle is the best proof of this. It is known that the fire from the candle is always directed upwards. Even the tilted candle stretches its flame to the top. That's how a pious man should reach out to God in all his thoughts and aspirations.

In the ceremony of burial, 4 candles on the sides of the coffin symbolize the cross, and the memorial candle in the hands of relatives and friends during the requiem means the Divine light that every person receives during baptism.

Where and how to put a funeral candle

Any Orthodox church or temple can not be imagined without candles. This is a human sacrifice to God. Clergymen say that there is a huge difference in what a person will sacrifice - money or a candle - not.

Prayer does not limit the place. In a home setting, a person can light a candle and pray for health or peace. In the church, for order, there are specially designated places for these rituals.

The funeral candles in the church are a visible confirmation of human prayer. These candles are put on a special table, which is called the eve. It has a rectangular shape, unlike a round table where candles are placed for health.

A candle is placed near the crucifix, which is on the eve. Christ is the link between life and death, he took upon himself all the sins of the world, without dying dying on the cross.

How to light a funeral candle

There are no special rules on this matter. It does not matter which hand (right or left) you will do it. It is important not to hurry, investing in your faith and sincere desire for your prayer to help the soul of the deceased person.

Church candlesticks come in several forms. In a sand-filled candle, just put it. Installing a candle on a metal candlestick, its bottom needs to be melted a little above the light next to it, so that it subsequently reliably fixed.

What to do after the funeral candle is installed

The main purpose of visiting the temple - a prayer for the repose of the soul of the deceased. A candle is a visual image of a prayer, therefore having installed a candle, while it is burning, you need to stand and pray.

You can pray in your own words, asking that God accept the heavenly soul of the deceased person into his Kingdom and grant her peace. You can use a special prayer, which is called - "For the dead".

After the prayer in the church, it is good to give alms, asking that those who received it remember the soul of the deceased person.

How much are the funeral candles and where to buy them

Church candles, of course, buy only in the temple, because they mean the union between the temple and man. It is also important that all the church candles are consecrated, and this is also a necessary ritual of the Christian faith. Buying a candle, you thereby donate your money to the temple.

The funeral candles are different, and the prices for them are different. Usual wax candles cost from 5 rubles, the price of candles, which include funeral poems from relatives and relatives, range from 50 to 400 rubles apiece.

It must be remembered that a candle is just a visual image that helps in turning to God, the main thing here is faith, pure thoughts and sincere prayer.