What Is a Candlelight Vigil? Meaning, History and How to Hold One

A candlelight vigil is a gathering where people hold lit candles together, usually after dark, to remember someone, show support or express hope. Vigils are often held after a loss in a community, on an anniversary, or to draw attention to a cause. They can be large public events or a small circle of friends and family. Here is what a vigil is, where the custom comes from, and how to hold one safely and respectfully.

What the word “vigil” means

The word comes from the Latin vigilia, meaning wakefulness or watch. Historically a vigil meant staying awake through the night to keep watch, pray or wait, often on the eve of a religious feast. Over time the word came to mean any period of watchful waiting, and today “vigil” most often refers to a peaceful gathering with candles.

Why candles?

People have used candles and lamps in remembrance for centuries, across many faiths and cultures. A small flame is a simple symbol that most people understand without words. It can stand for a life remembered, for hope in a dark time, or for the light people want to bring to a cause. Holding a candle also gives everyone in a crowd the same quiet role, whether or not they speak.

Candles appear in many remembrance traditions. Some families light a memorial candle on the anniversary of a death, and in many places people leave candles at a memorial site. Some communities also release paper lanterns in memory of loved ones; you can read about candle kites and remembrance on this site.

Common reasons people hold vigils

• In memory of someone who has died, especially after a sudden or public loss.
• On an anniversary of a tragedy or a person’s passing.
• In support of people who are suffering, such as after a disaster.
• For awareness of a cause, such as a health condition or a social issue.
• In hope, for example while a community waits for news of someone missing.

How to organize a candlelight vigil

1. Decide the purpose and tone

Be clear about why you’re gathering. A vigil for a family member will feel different from a public awareness event. If the vigil honors a specific person, talk with their family first and follow their wishes about names, photos and speakers.

2. Choose a place and time

Vigils are usually held at dusk or after dark so the candles can be seen. Common places are a park, a place of worship, a school, a community center or the place connected to the person or event. For public property, check with your local government about permits, open-flame rules and any limits on gatherings. Some places don’t allow open flames at all; flameless candles are a good backup.

3. Plan a simple program

A vigil is often short, around 30 minutes to an hour. A typical order might be:

1. A welcome and a brief explanation of why everyone is there.
2. Lighting the candles, often by passing the flame from person to person.
3. A few short readings, memories, prayers or songs.
4. A moment of silence.
5. A closing, and information on how people can help or stay in touch.

4. Gather supplies

• Candles with drip guards (simple paper or plastic cups or collars that catch hot wax and protect hands).
• A few lighters or long matches, and a lantern or two to relight candles in the wind.
• Flameless LED candles for children and anyone who prefers them.
• A sound system or megaphone for larger groups.
• A table for photos, flowers or a guest book, if the family wishes.

5. Spread the word

Share the time and place with the people most affected first. For a public vigil, local community groups, places of worship and schools can help get the word out.

Safety at a vigil

Many people holding open flames close together calls for care:

• Use drip guards and remind people to hold candles upright.
• Keep candles away from hair, scarves, signs and flowers.
• Give children flameless candles.
• Have a bucket of water or sand and a small fire extinguisher nearby.
• Make sure every candle is put out and collected at the end.
• In wind or rain, jar candles and lanterns stay lit better than tapers.

Attending a vigil

If you’re going to a vigil, arrive a little early, follow the organizers’ lead, and keep conversation quiet. It’s fine to simply stand and hold a candle. If you knew the person being remembered, the family may welcome a short message or a card. Our post on the tradition of a candle in the window covers another quiet way people use candlelight to remember loved ones.

FAQ

What do you say at a candlelight vigil?

Many people say nothing, and that’s fine. Speakers usually share a short memory, a reading or a few words of hope. Keep remarks brief and focused on the purpose of the vigil.

What candles are used for vigils?

Simple white tapers or small pillar candles with paper or plastic drip guards are the most common. Jar candles and flameless LED candles are good alternatives, especially outdoors or around children.

How long does a candlelight vigil last?

Most last between half an hour and an hour, but there’s no set rule.

Top image: Mark Zastrow from Boston, USA / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons