by Harun Mugambi,
A Universal Tradition of Remembrance
Have ever asked yourself the origins of candle lighting, especially for the dead?
Throughout history, candle lighting has been a sacred ritual observed across cultures and religions to honor the dead. This tradition, deeply rooted in spirituality and symbolism, signifies remembrance, guidance, and the eternal connection between the living and the departed. From ancient civilizations to modern-day memorials, the act of lighting a candle for the deceased serves as a powerful expression of love, respect, and hope.
Ancient Civilizations and Candle Lighting
The practice of lighting candles for the dead can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians, for example, placed oil lamps in tombs to provide light for the deceased in the afterlife. Similarly, the Romans used candles and torches during funeral rites, believing that the light would guide souls to the next world. In many cultures, fire was considered a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, making candles a vital part of funerary customs.
In Macedonia, candles were lit for up to 40 days after death to ward off ghosts and demons, reinforcing the belief in light as a protective force. In Greece, candles and torches were used to guide the dead on their final journey, ensuring their safe passage to the afterlife.
Christianity and Memorial Candles
In Christianity, candle lighting for the dead is a long-standing tradition. Catholic and Orthodox churches often light votive candles in memory of loved ones, a practice symbolizing prayers for their souls. On All Souls’ Day, Christians worldwide illuminate cemeteries with candlelight, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere to honor the departed. The Paschal Candle, used in Easter services, also represents Christ as the eternal light guiding the faithful beyond death. Candles serve as a reminder of Christ’s light in this world and the next, symbolizing resurrection and eternal life.
Judaism and Yahrzeit Candles
In Jewish tradition, the Yahrzeit candle is lit on the anniversary of a loved one's passing. The candle burns for 24 hours, signifying the enduring memory of the deceased. During Yom Kippur and other holy days, special memorial candles are also kindled to honor those who have passed. The flame is seen as a representation of the human soul, drawing from the biblical verse, "The soul of man is the lamp of the Lord."
Islam and Candle Lighting
While Islam does not have an explicit tradition of lighting candles for the dead, some Muslim communities incorporate candle lighting during memorial prayers and anniversaries. In Sufi traditions, candles are often lit at the graves of saints and loved ones as a sign of reverence and spiritual connection. However, mainstream Islamic teachings emphasize prayers (duas) and charitable deeds as the primary ways to honor the deceased.
Hinduism and Diyas for Ancestors
In Hinduism, light plays a crucial role in rituals for the dead. During Pitru Paksha, a period dedicated to ancestral remembrance, lamps (diyas) are lit to honor and appease the spirits of ancestors. The belief is that the light helps guide their souls toward peace. Cremation ceremonies also involve fire, symbolizing purification and the transition of the soul to the afterlife. The Diya, an oil lamp, is also lit during Diwali to honor departed ancestors.
Buddhism and Lantern Festivals
Buddhists honor the deceased through light offerings, particularly during festivals like Obon in Japan and the Ghost Festival in China. Floating lanterns and candles are released into rivers or the sky, symbolizing the guiding light for spirits and the impermanence of life. Monks often chant prayers while lighting candles, invoking peace and enlightenment for the departed.
Mexican Traditions and Día de los Muertos
In Mexico, candle lighting plays a central role in the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. This tradition, rooted in pre-Columbian indigenous beliefs and later influenced by Catholicism, honors deceased loved ones with vibrant altars (ofrendas) adorned with candles, marigolds, food, and photographs. The candles are believed to guide the spirits of the dead back to the world of the living for a brief visit. Families gather at cemeteries, lighting candles and sharing stories, reinforcing the idea that death is not an end but a continuation of the connection between generations.
African and Indigenous Traditions
Many African and indigenous cultures incorporate candle lighting into ancestral veneration rituals. In some African spiritual traditions, candles and fire are used in libations and prayers to honor ancestors and seek their guidance. Indigenous communities in the Americas also use fire in remembrance ceremonies, reinforcing the belief that light connects the living with the spirit world.
Candle Lighting on University Campuses
In recent years, candle lighting for the dead has found a new home among university students, who have adopted the tradition, especially in mourning the death of fellow students (fallen comrades), students have turned to candle lighting as a way to process grief and find solace in campus community.
One notable example is the rise of candlelight vigils on campuses following tragedies. After the death of a fellow student or a national event like a school shooting or terrorist attack like the 2015 Al-Shabaab Garissa University attack, universities often organize vigils where hundreds gather to light candles, share stories, and mourn collectively. These events provide a space for healing and solidarity, allowing students to confront loss in a supportive environment.
As university students light candles for the dead, they are participating in a tradition that stretches back millennia, yet feels profoundly relevant today. In the flickering glow of a candle, they find a connection to the past, a moment of peace in the present, and a beacon of hope for the future. This ancient ritual, reimagined for a modern age, continues to illuminate the enduring power of memory, love, and light.
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