I know that unbleached candles should be used for funerals & requiem masses. Can someone tell me the reason for this custom?
Bede

REPLIES

20/10/04

Unbleached candles are made from wax as it is produced. The white candles
are purified (clarified) wax. They are used at funerals and requiem mass
to remind us "Dust we are and unto dust shall we return" They have a similar
significance in Holy Week on Good Friday. Their use, sometime on Holy Saturday,
remind us of the Light of Christ arising over the world as in Genesis chapter
1.

Note White candles can be used at the requiem. I think I commented that
the Paschal Candle was melted down at Salisbury and Westminster to supply
candles for the pauper in the 1500s.

Terry Delaney - 20/10/04

Beeswax i.e. the dark candles are used for funerals , requiems, and Holy Week services as a sign of mourning

Normal white candles are a sign of The Resurrection and is used at all other services.

Trust this will help

Kind regards

Terry Delaney 
him in Suffolk!