What Does Paschal Mean The word Paschal comes

What Does Paschal Mean? The word Paschal comes from a Latin word, ‘Paschalis’ or ‘Pascha’, and a Hebrew word, ‘Pesach’. It can be a name but it is most often used to describe Easter and Passover. Hello, my name is Paschal.

Paschal and Easter is the most important festival in the Christian year. It is a time when Christians recall Jesus’ life just before he came to Jerusalem for the Passover, his arrest, his crucifixion and death and his resurrection. Jesus is sometimes called the ‘Lamb of God’. Christians believe that Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross so that others may live. Think! A lamb is often seen as a symbol of Easter. Can you think of any other signs of Easter?

What Is the Paschal Candle? Light is a symbol of hope. To Christians, Jesus is known as the ‘Light of the World’ and the Paschal candle represents God guiding Christians through the darkness to light. The Paschal candle is a large white candle. It is usually the largest candle in a church. A new candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter. It is used throughout the year on special occasions, such as baptisms and funerals, to remind Christians of their new life with Christ. Think!

What Are the Symbols on the Paschal Candle? The cross is the central symbol on the Paschal candle. Five grains of incense are put on the candle to represent the wounds Jesus suffered on the cross. For Christians, the Greek letters alpha and omega show that God is the beginning and the end. The year is written on the candle to represent God’s presence today. 2018

When Is the Paschal Candle Used? Holy Saturday On Holy Saturday, the new Paschal candle is blessed and lit. It is the first candle to be lit and special prayers are said. During Baptisms At baptisms, the Paschal candle represents the Holy Spirit. Families are given a small lit candle to represent a welcome to the Christian community and their new life in Christ. During Funerals The Paschal candle is lit and placed near the coffin or urn at funerals. Think!