Votive candles(?) what are they used for?

[thistle]

I’ve seen candles like this before, and I’ve also seen blasphemous knock offs of them. I read somewhere they were called votive candles, what exactly are they used for?

I’d also like to apologize if I put this in the wrong place, I wasn’t sure where to put it, I just put it in this forum, because it mentioned customs.

Modern Catholic Dictionary:

VOTIVE CANDLES. Candles burned before some statue or shrine to give honor to Our Lord, Our Lady, or one of the saints. The word “votive” goes back to the ancient custom of lighting candles in fulfillment of some private vow (votum).

 

[Marie5890]

Don’t get too hung up on the word “votive”.

There are all kinds of votive candles (IE Yankee candle or yes, your local grocery store etc etc) that are not designed specifically for religious use.

If on the other hand you are thinking of votive candles that have a Catholic or Christian feel to it, then yes, some Catholic or religious outfit will more likely fill what you are wanting…

 

[PJM]

=Darbie;12202196]I’ve seen candles like this before, and I’ve also seen blasphemous knock offs of them. I read somewhere they were called votive candles, what exactly are they used for?

I’d also like to apologize if I put this in the wrong place, I wasn’t sure where to put it, I just put it in this forum, because it mentioned customs.

In Catholic tradition, candles represent the OT “burnt” offerings.

As the smoke ascends towards heaven, taking with it our prayers and petitions.

God Bless you,

Patrick

 

[schaeffer]

The candles represent prayers or vows.

In the supermarket most of the one’s I see are either blank (you can write or draw on the glass with a sharpie your intent or the Saint etc you are praying to for intervention) or have Catholic Saints or Christ on them.

Often there is a prayer on the back.

If they are Santeria candles they will have something on them besides the picture of the Saint/Christ that will usually identify that.

Where I live Santeria candles are rarely seen in the regular supermarket, but often turn up at the dollar store.

Lighting the tall candle shows we are praying for a specific intention, and asking a saint for their intervention. Or showing honor and devotion to a particular saint.

Sometimes they also act as a reminder and intention to complete a vow or novena etc.

The tall candles burn for approx 7 days.