Editing Paschal candle (section)

== Description  ==
[[File:Ibaan Candela Paschalis closeup 2024-04-21.jpg|thumb|The Paschal candle of [[Ibaan Church]], with the cross and wax nails, the letters [[Alpha and Omega]], and the year it was dedicated (2024). As the cross evokes a [[shepherd's crook]], sheep are depicted below to symbolise the flock.]]
For congregations that use a Paschal candle, it is the largest candle in the worship space. In most cases, the candle will display several common symbols:
# The cross, which is the most prominent symbol and most clearly identifies it as the Paschal candle
# The [[Greek alphabet|Greek letters]] [[Alpha (letter)|alpha]] and [[Omega (letter)|omega]]<!--red on purp., see history -->, which symbolize that God is the beginning and the end (from the [[Book of Revelation]])
# The numerals of the current year between the arms of the cross
# Five grains of [[incense]], which are embedded in the candle (usually encased in red or golden wax "nails"). The "nails" represent the [[Five Holy Wounds]]: the three nails that pierced Christ's hands and feet, the spear thrust into his side to wound his heart, and the thorns that crowned his head. The grains of incense are to recall the aromatic spices that were used to prepare Christ's body for the tomb.

In the (medieval) Church, Paschal candles often reached a stupendous size. The Paschal candle of [[Salisbury Cathedral]] was said to have been {{convert|36|ft|m|abbr=off}} tall. At present time, in the United States and Southern Europe (e.g., Italy and France) the candle is approximately {{convert|4|in|cm|abbr=off}} in diameter and {{convert|36|to|48|in|cm|abbr=off}} tall; in Northern Europe the candle tends to be shorter in height ({{convert|19|to|24|in|cm|disp=x|/|abbr=off}}) and wider in diameter ({{convert|3|to|5|in|cm|disp=x|/|abbr=off}}). The Paschal candle of [[Manila Cathedral]] usually reaches {{convert|4|or|4.5|in|cm|abbr=off}} and stands at {{convert|50|in|cm|abbr=off}} tall.

The Paschal candle, like all liturgical candles, must be made at least from the most part of beeswax ''(ex cera apum saltem in maxima parte)''.<ref>Schulte, Augustin Joseph. ''Altar Candles'', in ''The Catholic Encyclopedia''. Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907</ref> The [[Church Fathers]] saw the bee as a symbol of the [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Virgin Mary]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mk-online.de/meldung/die-bedeutung-von-licht-und-kerzen-in-der-katholischen-kirche/ | title=Die Bedeutung von Licht und Kerzen aus Bienenwachs | date=26 January 2023 }}</ref> The beeswax symbolized the pure flesh of Christ, received from his mother.<ref>Schulte, Augustin Joseph. ''Altar Candles'', in ''The Catholic Encyclopedia''. Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907.</ref>