What Are Cemetery Candles Called?

Cemetery candles, also known as grave candles or vigil lights, are candles that are placed on gravesites to honor and remember deceased loved ones. The tradition of placing candles at grave sites dates back centuries and is an important part of many cultures and religious traditions around the world.

The purpose of cemetery candles is multifold. Primarily, they signify the enduring connection between the living and those who have passed on. The candle’s flame represents the eternal spirit and legacy of the deceased. Cemetery candles also symbolize prayer intentions and serve as an offering to the dead, with the light guiding their souls. Additionally, the candle light provides a warm, comforting glow in an otherwise dark space and demonstrates that the grave has not been forgotten or abandoned.

While customs vary, cemetery candles are most often placed on grave sites, tombstones, mausoleums, and memorial plaques. They are lit on significant dates like birthdays, death anniversaries, holidays, and during visitations or funeral services. The tradition spans across many faiths and cultures, including Catholicism, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

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Names and Types

Grave candles go by several common names including memorial candles, vigil lights, and votive candles. Despite the different names, they all serve a similar purpose – honoring deceased loved ones by lighting candles at their grave sites.

The most well-known term is probably grave candles, referring to their primary use of decorating graves. Families often place these candles in cemeteries to commemorate their departed relatives and friends. The candles provide a small light in remembrance.

Memorial candles is another fitting name, as lighting these candles memorializes those who have passed away. The small flames represent an ongoing memory and tribute.

Vigil lights highlight the purpose of quietly honoring the deceased. Lighting a candle vigil shows respect and remembrance. This name connects to the tradition of holding vigils or quiet reflections for those no longer living.

While the names differ slightly, they all point to decorating gravesites with candles in order to pay tribute to loved ones. The ritual provides comfort to the living while showing respect for the dead.

Materials

Cemetery candles come in a variety of materials, with the most common being wax, glass, and metal.

Wax – Wax is the traditional material used for cemetery candles. Wax candles are inexpensive, easy to produce, and burn relatively cleanly and slowly. Paraffin wax is most often used as it is abundant and inexpensive. Beeswax candles are also sometimes used as they are considered more natural. Wax candles allow for detailed designs to be molded or carved into the surface.

Glass – Glass cemetery candles provide a more durable and weather-resistant option compared to wax. The glass is tinted in various colors and can be blown or molded into different shapes and styles. Designs and decorations can be etched or painted on the surface. The inside of a glass candle holds the flame source, often a simple wick or small candle.

Metal – Metal cemetery candles, often made of aluminum or tin, offer longevity compared to wax and glass. Intricate shapes and cutout designs can be stamped into the metal. The metal candles are reusable as only the inner flame source needs replacement occasionally. Metal is also easy to clean and maintain its original appearance over time.

Designs and Shapes

Cemetery candles come in a variety of designs and shapes. Some of the most common designs include:

Votive – These are short, cylindrical candles that fit into glass votive holders. Votive candles are one of the most popular styles used in cemeteries.
Pillar – Pillar candles are tall, cylindrical candles that stand on their own without a holder. They are often used to mark grave sites and memorials.
Oval – Oval-shaped candles can sit flat or stand upright. They often have decorative shapes like scalloped edges or carved patterns.
Heart-shaped – Heart candles represent love and commemoration. They are placed on gravesites to symbolize the love between the living and those who have passed.

Cemetery candles come in all different colors and sizes. But traditional designs like votives, pillars, and hearts are commonly used to memorialize loved ones.

Sizes

Cemetery candles come in a variety of sizes. The most common sizes are:

Votive or Tea Light – These small candles are about 1-2 inches tall and 0.75 inches in diameter. They are the smallest candle size and burn for 4-6 hours.
Short – Approximately 3-5 inches tall and 1-2 inches in diameter. Short candles burn for about 8-12 hours.
Standard – The typical size, around 6-8 inches tall and 2-3 inches in diameter. Standard candles last for 24-36 hours.
Tall – Extra large candles 9-12 inches tall and 3-4 inches wide. Tall candles can burn for multiple days.
Extra Tall – Very large candles, sometimes called anniversary candles, ranging from 13-18 inches tall. Extra tall candles are used for remembering loved ones on significant anniversaries.

The most popular sizes tend to be the standard and tall candles, which provide illumination for 1-3 days. Extra tall anniversary candles make a meaningful statement for remembering someone on a special date.

Colors

The color of a cemetery candle carries symbolic meaning and is often chosen intentionally. The three most common colors are white, red, and blue.

White represents purity, innocence, and spirituality. White candles are often used to memorialize children or young people who have passed away. The white flame is believed to help guide their spirit onward.

Red symbolizes love, passion, energy, and courage. Red cemetery candles may be used for loved ones with energetic or bold personalities. The red color emphasizes the strong emotional bonds with the deceased.

Blue represents calmness, tranquility, wisdom, and trust. Blue candles may be lit in remembrance of peaceful souls or those who provided wisdom and stability in life. The blue flame evokes soothing energy to help grieving loved ones find inner peace.

Beyond the main three colors, other candle colors can also carry significance about the departed’s personality or represent meanings tied to a specific loss, such as gold for childhood cancer or pink for breast cancer. The color chosen is deeply personal for remembering loved ones in a meaningful way.

Inscriptions

One of the most significant aspects of cemetery candles is the inscriptions that people choose to have engraved or printed on them. These personalized messages and designs can reflect the personality of the deceased, convey heartfelt sentiments from loved ones, and serve as meaningful tributes.

Common inscriptions include the name and dates of the deceased. Having the full name and birth/death dates helps identify who the candle is honoring. People browsing the cemetery can easily read the information and connect the memorial candle to the grave it sits beside.

Prayers and bible verses are also popular inscription options on cemetery candles. Families often select scripture passages or religious sayings that were meaningful to the deceased or provide comfort to the living. These heartfelt phrases can remind visitors of the deceased’s spiritual beliefs.

Sentimental quotes and poetry excerpts also frequently appear on cemetery candles. Lines from favorite songs, literary works, or inspirational sayings can be a beautiful representation of the deceased’s personality and interests. The carefully selected words express the loss felt by family and friends.

Overall, the inscribed messages and designs on memorial candles add a personal touch. They help share memories, beliefs, and emotions related to someone who has passed away. The inscriptions make each candle unique and tailored to the individual being honored. When visitors read the engraved or printed words, it allows them to connect on a deeper level.

Placement

Cemetery candles are placed at grave sites in cemeteries and memorial parks. There are a few common placements for these candles:

At the headstone – This is the most common placement, with the candle set down in front of the headstone engraving.
In ground vases – Many grave sites have built-in vases that allow for placement of candles and flowers. The vase may be mounted on the headstone itself or set into the ground.
On gravestone ledges – Some headstones have a flat ledge area that candles can be placed on. This provides elevation to protect the candle from rain and grass.
On the grave – For graves with no headstone, candles are often placed directly on the grave plot itself.
On monuments – Larger monuments and mausoleums may have shelves or ledges for memorial candles.

Candles are positioned to be visible and prominent, honoring the deceased. They are placed carefully and purposefully as a sign of love, remembrance, and tribute.

Maintenance

Cemetery candles require some maintenance to keep them burning properly. Here are some tips on maintaining these memorial candles:

How Long They Burn

The burn time for a cemetery candle can range from 5-7 days on average. This can vary based on the size of the candle, quality of materials, and weather conditions. Smaller candles may only last 1-3 days while larger ones could burn for up to a week.

Replacing

It’s recommended to replace the candle once it has burned out or the wax/gel is depleted. Allow the glass to fully cool before removing old candle remnants and adding a new candle. Replacement frequency depends on personal preference, but many replace cemetery candles 1-2 times per month or every 2-4 weeks.

Disposal

Properly dispose of used cemetery candles by allowing wax/gel to fully harden and cool before throwing away. Never dispose of hot candle wax as this can be a fire hazard. Old wax can be scraped out and glass containers recycled if possible. Follow local regulations for waste disposal.

Significance

Cemetery candles, also known as grave candles or vigil lights, hold deep spiritual meaning and importance in many cultures and religions around the world. Lighting a candle at a grave site is a symbolic way to honor the deceased, provide ongoing remembrance, and convey enduring love.

In the Catholic faith, lighting votive candles is a traditional way to offer prayers for the dead and request divine intercession. The flame represents the prayer rising to heaven. In many Catholic cemeteries, family members continue lighting candles on the anniversaries of a loved one’s death or to remember them on holy days.

In Hispanic culture, a tradition called “luminarias” involves placing candles inside paper bags partially filled with sand at grave sites on Christmas Eve or the Day of the Dead. This lights the path for visiting spirits and welcomes them. The candles burn throughout the night to help guide the deceased back home.

For Jews, placing a memorial candle on the anniversary of a death or during Yahrzeit lets the soul know it is not forgotten. The candle burning for 24 hours signifies life going on but memory persisting. Lighting a Yahrzeit candle in the home every year memorializes loved ones according to the Hebrew calendar.

Across religions and cultures, the act of lighting a candle represents the living spirit enduring beyond physical death. Cemetery candles symbolize remembrance, prayer, guidance, and the continuation of love.