Votive candle

Victim candle, votive light, votive candle or prayer candle are called candles that are set up as a visible sign of prayer, often in a particular concern in a church outside the liturgy.

Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant churches have increasingly also specially provided candlestick or chandelier, which sometimes artfully designed, and provide the needed sacrifices lights on for a small amount of money.

Numerous victims candles, often larger, specially designed pilgrimage candles burn in shrines. In some places of pilgrimage, such as in Kevelaer or in Ars, there are special candles chapels.

The burning light symbolizes the glory of God to whom the prayer is directed, and at the same time the worship, the thanks and please who ascend to him. Before Mary or other saints picture - in Catholic churches - it means asking for their intercession with God. The candle is also the prayer, over time the presence of the petitioner, for himself and others a perceptible shape. As a votive candle victims is related generally victims of religious customs, which are understood in Christianity as Mitvollzug of self-giving of Jesus.

Historically enough the custom of sacrificial candles back in early Christian times and is akin to the grave light.