Votive candle

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Votive candle being lit at a cathedral in Brussels

Votive candles before a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Votive candles in St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York

A votive candle is a small, typically white or beeswax yellow, candle, burnt as a votive offering in a religious ceremony. It also refers to a standard size of candle 2 inches high by 1.5 inches diameter.

In the Roman Catholic Church, candles are often (but not always) placed before a statue of the Virgin Mary. Often, in older or traditional churches, this will be before a side altar. Candles used may vary from long, taper-type candles to tea-light candles. Tea-light candles are either placed in holders or just on a platform in front of the statue. Long candles may be placed in a special holder.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, candles are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ or the Holy Theotokos. Usually Orthodox churches only use long, thin candles. These are usually placed in round containers, having either various sockets to hold the candles, or in a container filled with sand, in which the worshippers place their candles. Orthodox churches will usually have a separate place to put candles lit for the departed; Roman Catholic churches make no such distinction.

Some Anglican churches, generally High Anglican churches also have votive candles.

Candles are lit for prayer intentions. To 'light a candle for someone' means that you will say a prayer for them, and the candle symbolises your prayers. It is generally considered generous to make a donation for candles, to help with the cost. Beside the candle box there will generally be a donation box. Some churches will actually put a price on each candle.