What Is the Significance of Lighting a Candle When a Baby Is Born?

What Is the Significance of Lighting a Candle When a Baby Is Born?
Written By
Tamiya King
Tamiya King
Published: Oct 27, 2010
Updated: Feb 14, 2019
1 minute read
...
Nichola Evans/Photodisc/Getty Images

If you've recently had a baby, you may want to light a candle to commemorate the event. A candle lit to celebrate the birth of a baby can have several meanings that may help you and your family make the occasion even more special.

Types

The type of candle that is lit at the baby's birth can represent several things. For instance, a blue candle usually means the baby has just come into the world; a candle in the shape of a cross can welcome a baby into a Christian home.

Ceremonial Uses

At a baby-naming ceremony or christening, a candle is sometimes lit for the newborn as a sign that the child's loved ones want the baby's path through life to be illuminated by a spiritual source. Since candles are also used to represent someone's memory, stillborn babies are often honored by a lit candle. The candles can be displayed at the child's vigil, and are sometimes lit on behalf of the mother to comfort her.

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Representing Light

Some parents choose to light a candle in honor of their newborn to signify that the child has brought light and happiness to their lives. Lighting the candle for this purpose can take place immediately after the baby is delivered or during a ceremony to introduce the baby to loved ones.

Photo Credits

Nichola Evans/Photodisc/Getty Images

Tamiya King

Tamiya King has been writing for over a decade, particularly in the areas of poetry and short stories. She also has extensive experience writing SEO and alternative health articles, and has written published interviews and other pieces for…

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