The baptism candle is lit from the paschal candle, the great Easter candle, during the rite of baptism, as the priest says, "Receive the light of Christ." It is usually handed to the father or the godfather, who lights it and keeps the flame burning as a sign that the newly baptized now belongs to Christ and is called to walk as a child of the light. Below you will find who lights the candle, what it means, a full checklist for a Catholic baptism, the role of godparents, and the Mexican customs of the day.
The baptism candle in the rite: who lights it and what it means
Near the end of the baptism, after the water and the anointing, comes one of the most moving moments of the whole celebration. A candle is lit from the paschal candle, and the priest or deacon says, "Receive the light of Christ."
A member of the family, most often the father or the godfather, steps forward to light the child's candle from that Easter flame. Then the celebrant speaks to the parents and godparents: "This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He or she is to walk always as a child of the light."
So the candle is not a decoration. It is a charge, a responsibility handed to the family. The light of Christ, first kindled at Easter, is now passed to this new Christian, and the family is asked to keep it alive through a lifetime of faith.
Christening versus baptism: is there a difference?
Many families ask whether a christening is different from a baptism. In practice, they are the same sacrament. Baptism is the formal name the Church uses for the sacrament that makes a person a Christian, washing away original sin and giving new life in Christ. Christening is a common everyday word for the same event, often emphasizing the giving of the child's Christian name.
If you are invited to a christening, or you are planning one, you are planning a baptism. The candle, the white garment, and the godparents all belong to the same beautiful rite.
You may notice the word christening used more in some families and baptism in others, but there is no difference in the sacrament itself. Both wash away original sin, make the child a member of the Church, and mark the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.
What do you need for a Catholic baptism? A complete checklist
Some elements are essential to the sacrament itself, and the parish provides them. Others are cherished customs that the family brings. Here is how it breaks down.
Essential to the sacrament (provided by the parish):
- Water, poured over the child, or immersion, with the words of baptism. This is what makes the sacrament.
- Sacred chrism, the holy oil used to anoint the child as a sharer in Christ who is Priest, Prophet, and King.
- The paschal candle, from which the baptismal candle is lit.
Brought by the family (custom and keepsake):
- The baptismal candle. Kept as a lasting keepsake of the day.
- The white garment or gown. As the child is clothed, the priest says, "you have become a new creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity." White signals purity and the new life just received.
- A shell. A small shell is often used to pour the water. It is a traditional symbol of baptism, though it is a custom rather than a requirement.
- A bonnet or towel for the anointing, in some parishes.
- A rosary, a Bible, or a medal as a keepsake gift, frequently from the godparents.
- Recuerdos, the small favors many Hispanic families give guests to remember the day.
Always check with your parish, since customs and requirements vary. Some parishes ask that the white garment and candle be brought, while others provide simple versions.
The role of godparents: what the Church asks
Godparents, the padrinos, are chosen to help the child grow in faith. The Church sets a few clear requirements so that a godparent can truly fulfill that role. According to Church law, explained clearly by EWTN, a baptismal godparent should be:
- At least 16 years old.
- A confirmed Catholic who has received the Eucharist and lives a life in keeping with the faith.
- Not the child's own father or mother.
- Willing and able to help the child live as a Christian.
There may be one godparent, either a godfather or a godmother, or one of each. At least one godparent must be a Catholic who meets these conditions. A baptized Christian who is not Catholic may take part as a Christian witness, but only alongside a Catholic godparent. If you would like the wider picture of Christian initiation, the United States bishops offer helpful background.
Choosing godparents is a spiritual decision, not only a family honor. The best godparents are people who pray, who love the Church, and who will still be part of the child's faith many years from now.
If you are asked to be a godparent, it is a real honor and a real responsibility. You are promising to pray for the child, to give good example, and to support the parents in raising the child in the faith. Accept only if you are ready to stay present in that child's life for the years to come.
Preparing for the baptism: practical steps
A little planning makes the day peaceful. Most parishes ask for a few things ahead of time, so start early.
- Register and attend the parish baptism preparation class or meeting, often required for parents and sometimes for godparents.
- Confirm the godparents qualify, and if they belong to another parish, ask about a sponsor certificate.
- Choose the white garment and candle in advance, and ask whether the parish would like you to bring them.
- Pack the baby's essentials, a change of clothes, and something to keep little ones calm.
- Plan the celebration, from recuerdos to the family meal.
When everyone knows their part, the family can relax and simply pray, which is what the day is truly for.
Keeping the candle afterward
Because the baptismal candle carries such meaning, families love to keep it and bring it back out at future milestones. A few gentle traditions:
- Relight it briefly on the child's baptism anniversary each year.
- Bring it to the child's First Communion, tying the light of baptism to the day the child first receives the Eucharist.
- Save it with the white garment as a set of keepsakes for the family.
Some families keep the baptismal candle in a prayer corner or beside the child's bed, lighting it during evening prayers or on the feast of the child's patron saint. However you use it, the candle keeps the memory of baptism close and reminds the whole family of the promise made that day.
That thread from baptism to First Communion is a beautiful one to trace. Our guide for parents on planning First Communion shows how the same light returns years later.
Mexican and Hispanic customs: bolo, recuerdos, and the celebration
A Mexican baptism is a warm, joyful family event, and several customs surround the sacrament itself.
- El bolo. After the baptism, the padrinos often toss coins for the children to gather, to shouts of "bolo, bolo." It is a sign of the padrinos' generosity and a moment of pure delight for the little ones.
- Los recuerdos. Families give guests small keepsakes, often a candle, a medal, or a card with the child's name and baptism date, so everyone carries home a memory of the day.
- El capillo and the white garment. The white gown, sometimes an heirloom, is treasured and passed down.
- La fiesta. A meal and celebration bring godparents, grandparents, and the whole family together to welcome the newest Christian.
Los recuerdos de bautizo are a lovely way to thank guests and to keep the child's baptism in everyone's memory. Families often choose a small candle, a medal of the child's patron saint, a rosary, or a card printed with the baby's name, the date, and a short prayer. Handmade recuerdos feel especially personal and fit the spirit of the day.
These customs are not the sacrament, but they clothe it in the love of a family and a community, which is exactly how faith is meant to be handed on.
Choosing a quality handcarved candle or complete kit
A baptism candle is meant to be kept, so it is worth choosing one made with care. At Nuestra Fe, our baptism candles and kits are handcrafted by Mexican artisans, many near La Villa de Guadalupe, with the kind of detail that makes a keepsake worth passing down.
When you compare options, look for:
- Clean, careful carving or detailing that holds up to handling and storage.
- An even, steady wick for that important moment when the candle is lit from the paschal flame.
- A complete kit when you want everything in one place: candle, garment or shell, and keepsakes in a gift box.
- A design that fits your devotion, such as an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe for many Mexican families.
You can explore our original handcarved baptism candle, the baptism set with the Virgen de Guadalupe, and the white 5 piece baptism kit, or browse the full baptism kit collection to find what suits your celebration.
Frequently asked questions about baptism candles
Who lights the baptism candle?
A member of the family, most often the father or the godfather, lights the child's candle from the paschal candle during the rite, after the priest says, "Receive the light of Christ." The parents and godparents are then asked to keep that flame of faith burning brightly, a sign that the child will walk always as a child of the light.
What does the baptism candle symbolize?
The baptism candle symbolizes Christ, the light of the world, now shining in the newly baptized. It is lit from the paschal candle, the Easter candle that represents the risen Christ, so the light of Easter is passed to the child. Keeping the candle reminds the family to nurture the faith that began on baptism day.
What do you need for a Catholic baptism?
The parish provides what is essential: water, sacred chrism, and the paschal candle. Families usually bring a baptismal candle, a white garment, and sometimes a shell for pouring water, along with keepsakes such as a rosary or medal. Many Hispanic families also prepare recuerdos for guests. Confirm the details with your parish, since customs vary.
Who can be a godparent for a Catholic baptism?
A godparent should be at least 16, a confirmed Catholic who has received the Eucharist and practices the faith, and not the child's parent. There may be one godparent or one of each, but at least one must be a practicing Catholic. A baptized non Catholic may serve as a Christian witness only alongside a Catholic godparent.
Is a christening the same as a baptism?
Yes. Christening and baptism refer to the same sacrament. Baptism is the formal name the Church uses, while christening is a common everyday word, often stressing the giving of the child's Christian name. If you are invited to a christening, you are attending a baptism, with the same candle, white garment, and godparents.
What candle should you use for baptism?
Use a baptismal candle, usually white, that can be lit from the parish paschal candle during the rite. Many families choose a handcarved or decorated candle, sometimes with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and keep it as a lasting keepsake. Look for a clean, even wick, since it is lit at that important moment before the parents and godparents.
What is the baptismal candle called?
It is simply called the baptismal candle, or the baptism candle. Because a christening is the same sacrament as a baptism, you may also hear it called a christening candle. Whatever the name, it is the candle lit from the paschal candle during the rite, as the priest says, "Receive the light of Christ."
Is a candle needed for baptism?
What the sacrament itself requires is water and the words of baptism, along with sacred chrism and the paschal candle, all provided by the parish. The family's own baptismal candle, lit from the paschal flame, is a cherished custom and keepsake rather than a strict requirement. Many parishes still invite families to bring one, so check with yours.
What is the tradition of the baptism candle?
During the rite, a candle is lit from the paschal candle and handed to the father or godfather, as the priest says the child is to walk always as a child of the light. Families keep the candle and relight it at milestones, such as the baptism anniversary each year and the child's First Communion, tying that day back to baptism.
Welcome the newest Christian in your family
A baptism is a day the whole family remembers, and a well made candle helps keep its light alive for years. When you are ready, browse our handcrafted baptism kits and candles, made by artisan hands to mark the moment a new Christian receives the light of Christ.