The candle has long been an emblem of the soul. In connection with this it represents the life and consciousness of a person, as well as the mind, will, and emotions, all of which have been associated with the candle's flame.
The candle reminds us of the flame of knowledge that brings light or enlightenment to the darkness of ignorance, enabling us to perceive truth.
The candle can also refer to talents, skills, or God-given abilities, as well as works of righteousness. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, said, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a candle and put it under a bowl. Instead, they place it on a candlestick, and it gives light to all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)
The candle is also a symbol of Christ as the light of the world. In the prologue to the Gospel of John, it is said of the divine Word (Greek, Logos) that, "In him was life, and that life was the light of all people." (John 1:4) Here the evangelist identifies the Christ as the equivalent of the Logos, or divine creative principle, of Greek Stoic philosophy.
A specialized type of candle is the paschal candle, which symbolizes Christ and is burned in churches during the Easter season and at baptisms. Another specialized type of candle is the baptismal candle that is traditionally lit and presented to the parents of a newly baptized child as a sign of the light and life of Christ of which the newly baptized has become a partaker.