People light candles for the deceased primarily as a symbolic act to honor, remember, and spiritually connect with those who have passed away. This practice is deeply rooted in many cultural, religious, and spiritual traditions worldwide, where the candle’s flame represents the enduring presence of the departed, guidance for their souls, and a physical manifestation of prayers and remembrance.
The symbolism of lighting candles for the dead is multifaceted. One of the most common meanings is that the candle’s flame acts as a beacon or guide for the spirit of the deceased. In many cultures, it is believed that the light helps illuminate the path for the soul in the afterlife or during its journey between worlds. For example, during Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations, candles are placed on altars (ofrendas) to light the way for spirits returning to visit their families, symbolizing fire as one of the four essential elements of nature that sustain life and spirit[3]. Similarly, in Cambodian Buddhist funerals, candles along with incense and offerings create a sacred atmosphere that supports the soul’s peaceful transition and honors the deceased[2].
In religious contexts, candles often represent prayer and the spiritual presence of the deceased. Lighting a candle can be an act of intercession, where the living offer prayers for the repose of the departed’s soul. In Jewish tradition, for instance, the Yahrzeit candle is lit annually on the anniversary of a loved one’s death to honor their memory and affirm the continuity of life and faith[1]. The flame symbolizes the soul’s eternal nature and the light of divine presence even in times of mourning.
From a psychological and emotional perspective, lighting candles serves as a tangible ritual that helps the bereaved cope with grief. The act of lighting a candle can provide comfort, focus, and a moment of reflection or prayer. It creates a physical space for remembrance and connection, which can be especially important when dealing with loss. Rituals involving candles can foster a sense of community and shared mourning, as seen in many funeral services where candles are lit collectively to honor the deceased[6].
Medical and psychological research supports the idea that rituals, including lighting candles, can aid in the grieving process. Rituals help structure the experience of loss, offering predictability and a sense of control during a time of emotional upheaval. According to studies in grief psychology, engaging in meaningful rituals can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression by providing a symbolic way to express emotions and maintain bonds with the deceased[6]. The candle’s steady flame can also have a calming effect, helping to regulate emotional distress through focused attention and mindfulness.
In addition to spiritual and emotional reasons, the candle’s flame has long been associated with life itself. The flickering light is often seen as a metaphor for the human soul—fragile yet enduring. This symbolism transcends many cultures and religions, making candle lighting a universal gesture of respect and remembrance[4][5].
In summary, people light candles for the deceased because the flame symbolizes spiritual presence, guidance for the soul, prayer, and remembrance. It serves as a comforting ritual that helps the living honor their loved ones, cope with grief, and maintain a connection across the boundary of death. This practice is deeply embedded in cultural and religious traditions worldwide, reflecting a shared human need to find meaning and solace in the face of mortality.
Sources:
[1] https://kronishfuneral.com/2025/12/jewish-burial-practices-myths-traditions-unveiled/
[2] https://www.pennsylvaniaburialcompany.com/guiding-the-spirit-the-meaning-of-chanting-in-cambodian-funeral-rituals
[3] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Day-of-the-Dead
[4] https://smart.dhgate.com/why-light-candles-for-the-dead-traditions-meanings/
[5] https://stripe.jhu.edu/news/the-significance-of-symbolism-unveiling-the-meaning-behind-funeral-customs-with-durst-funeral-home
[6] https://www.honoryou.com/death-anniversary-meaning-traditions-heartfelt-ways-to-honor-a-loved-one/
[7] https://smart.dhgate.com/candles-on-day-of-the-dead-meaning-and-traditions-explained/
