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GCSE Religious Studies · key term
The Easter candle representing the risen Christ, which is placed beside the coffin during a Catholic funeral.
Used by AQA and Eduqas
Paper 1
Revise: Funeral RiteThe Paschal candle stands beside the coffin. First lit at Easter, it represents the risen Christ and connects the funeral with the hope that death will not have the final word.
Paper 2
A large candle lit during Easter worship, particularly in Catholic and Anglican churches, symbolising the risen Christ.
Link each action or symbol to its meaning: for example, holy water recalls baptism, while the Paschal candle represents the risen Christ.
Link each practice to its meaning: for example, lighting the Paschal candle expresses belief in the risen Christ.
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Many Catholic and Anglican churches hold an Easter vigil on Saturday night. It begins in darkness, and the Paschal candle is lit to symbolise the risen Christ. The movement from darkness to light expresses the change from death to new life; the service includes Holy Communion.