2006-08-16 02:15:51 · 12 answers · asked by Susan S 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am a licensed funeral director, the candle is a Pascal candle that is placed typically at the head end of the casket to represent the Resurrection of Christ, it has nothing to do with light, hope, maggots or any of the other silly answers you received. Hope this helps! God bless!
2006-08-16 06:10:16 · answer #1 · answered by Reagan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the Catholic tradition, the Paschal or Easter Candle is placed near the casket as a reminder of resurrection: Christ's rising out of the darkness of death, brought light into a darkened world. The reign of sin and death has been overcome by Christ. This new life is offered to all who accept Christ as their Savior.
The multiplicity of candles would be a popular development of this liturgical practice.
2006-08-16 02:29:09 · answer #2 · answered by fathermartin121 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's probably something that carried over before enbalming started. I think they used candles during wakes, due to the fact that the lightbulbs heated the room too much and increased the speed of the decomp. SMELLY
2006-08-16 02:22:33 · answer #3 · answered by Jenn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Irish place a bottle at the head and foot. Maybe people want to see if the person is really dead.
2006-08-16 02:28:59 · answer #4 · answered by Robert M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pest control. In the old times, they put candles to drive away and burn the wings of the flies who naturally **** their eggs in a rotten human body on display.
2006-08-16 02:23:45 · answer #5 · answered by Petals 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who knows, to me it is unbiblical(I stand to be corrected). But when someone is to die, they are to be buried. No service at a funeral can really be seen by the deceased, only bring memories to those left behind, as the deceased, rests in piece.
2006-08-16 02:23:40 · answer #6 · answered by Sky_blue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Candles represent love. A flame has heat and light - which represents good and truth.
2006-08-16 02:19:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To light the pathway for the deceased to reach their spiritual destination.
2006-08-16 02:25:43 · answer #8 · answered by shortfrog 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe it shows love and respect,Jesus said his eyes are like a flame of fire.
2006-08-16 02:21:42 · answer #9 · answered by HolyDovePraise 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea.. I have never heard of that before.
maybe they think they are going to light the way for the one who died?
2006-08-16 02:19:50 · answer #10 · answered by ♥Poetic1♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋