In the Bible it says that Jesus rose from the dead while it was dark. From very earliest times, Christians have come together during the night before Easter Day to remember Jesus’ resurrection. Many Christians, especially Roman Catholics, Orthodox, and some Anglicans (Church of England) do this still today. This service, which is called the Easter Vigil, begins with the blessing of the New Fire, and the preparation of the Paschal Candle. The word ‘Paschal’ comes from the word for the Jewish festival of Passover. It is also another word for the Christian Easter.

The Paschal Candle is lit in churches for all the services in the fifty days after Easter, to remember the time Jesus spent with his disciples after he rose from the dead. At other times of the year, the Candle is lit only for Baptisms (Christenings) and Funerals. At a Baptism, the person baptised is given a candle which has been lit from the Paschal Candle.

When the priest prepares the Paschal Candle at Easter, this is the prayer which he says: