Planning a baptism comes with a long list: the church schedule, the outfit, the reception, and the godparents. Somewhere on that list is the baptismal candle set. Most families know about the child’s candle, but many aren’t sure what the matching godparent candles are for, or how many to prepare. Here’s a simple guide to the whole set.
What’s in a baptismal candle set?
A baptismal candle set has two parts that belong together. The main candle is your child’s own baptismal candle, lit during the ceremony and kept by the family afterward. The godparent candles are smaller matching candles, one for each ninong and ninang. Every candle in the set carries the same details: the child’s name, the baptism date and the church.
The godparent candles serve two purposes. During the ceremony, they let the godparents take part in the light of the sacrament alongside the family. After the baptism, they become a small keepsake, a reminder of the promise each godparent made to help guide the child in faith.
For many godparents, it’s also a thoughtful thank-you. It’s a simple way to say “we’re glad you’re part of our child’s life.”
How they’re used at the baptism
In most baptisms, the child’s candle is lit from the Paschal candle, the large candle near the altar or baptismal font. A parent or godparent usually holds it on the child’s behalf.
In many Filipino parishes, the godparents’ candles are lit around the same moment, so the whole circle of sponsors holds a flame together. It makes for a beautiful photo, and it shows the child surrounded by people who promised to help them grow in faith.
Practices differ from church to church. Some parishes light every candle, some light only the main one, and some have rules on open flames. Ask your parish ahead of time so your godparents know what to expect.
[PHOTO: Godparents holding small lit candles around a baby at a baptism — alt: “Godparents holding small lit candles around a baby in a white christening gown”]
The main candle: a keepsake for your child
The godparent candles go home with the ninongs and ninangs. The main candle is different: it belongs to the child, and it’s meant to be kept.
Many families store it carefully and bring it out again on later milestones. Some parishes welcome the baptismal candle at the child’s First Communion, as a link back to the day they were baptized. Not every church does this, so ask your parish when the time comes.
To keep the candle looking new for years:
- Store it away from direct sunlight and heat, which can fade the print and soften the wax.
- Keep it in a box or wrapped in soft cloth so it doesn’t collect dust.
- If you light it, trim the wick to about 5 mm and keep the flame away from ribbons and dried flowers.
Years from now, your child can hold the same candle that was lit on the day of their baptism.
How many godparent candles do you need?
The simple answer: one for each ninong and ninang. If your child has six godparents, prepare six godparent candles plus the main candle.
A few things to consider before you settle on a number:
- Count your confirmed godparents. Filipino baptisms often have many sponsors, and the list can grow in the final weeks. Confirm everyone before ordering.
- Think about proxies. If a godparent abroad will be represented by someone at the church, decide whether the candle goes to the proxy on the day or is kept for the godparent.
- Consider one or two extras. A spare is handy if a candle gets damaged, or if you’d like one for the grandparents or for the child’s own keepsake box.
Before you order
Personalized candles are made to order, so a little planning goes a long way:
- Confirm the baptism date and church. These are printed on every candle.
- Double-check your child’s full name. Look closely at spelling, accents and middle names.
- Count your godparents and decide on any extras.
- Order early. Most sets take 7 to 10 days to make. If your date is close, message the shop first.
- Review your preview carefully. Details can’t be changed once the order is placed, because the candles go straight into production.
Your child’s baptism happens once, but the candles can stay with your family for years. If you’d like a set with your child’s name and baptism details, take a look at The Christening Set. You can choose how many godparent candles you need and preview the design before you order.
