Wax candles of exceptional size, usually fixed in a great candlestick, specially destined for use in liturgies of western churches during the Easter season. The tradition of paschal candles probably dates to the fourth century. A paschal candle is first lit with newly blessed fire during the Easter vigil service; it is traditionally marked with the sign of the cross, an alpha and an omega, and the year. After this service, the candle is lit during liturgical functions until the feasts of the Ascension. The lit paschal candle symbolizes the powers of darkness and death being driven away by the Resurrection of Christ.
