Professional paper
Candle in Sacral Heritage of the Croats
Marko Dragić
orcid.org/0000-0001-5362-6814
; Faculty of Philosophy, University of Split
Abstract
Candle accompanies Christians from birth to death, as early
as from the very beginnings of Christianity. The use and symbolism
of candle is manifold. At baptism a candle is given to the baptised;
first communicant holds a candle; candle accompanies the engaged
couple at wedding; at lighted candle a sick person leaves this world. In sacral heritage of the Croats many customs and rites are
related to the candle. The light of candles embellishes Christmas
Eve vigil and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, of good
over evil. Christmas candles are attributed miraculous powers, so
housewives often keep the candles that have not burned down for
the next year. In Croatian spirituality the cult of the dead is exceptionally
observed. So, at the merriest time of the year, at Christmas
Eve and Christmas dinner, candles are lighted for the dead. The
candles consecrated at Candle mass are treasured in all Croatian
Catholic homes like a sacred thing. In traditional heritage of the
Croats candle is used against illnesses, spells and bad weather.
Keywords
blessing; cult of the dead; prayer; candle; Candle mass
Hrčak ID:
62497
URI
Publication date:
21.12.2010.
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