Are people who light those candles (votive candles) supposed to take a vow? In Catholic Churches we light votive candles. I have never really understood what &quot;votive&quot; refers to. Are people who light those candles supposed to take a vow?
In Catholicism, a votive candle signifies literally that the lighting is done in fulfillment of a vow (Latin, votum), although in most cases the intention is merely to give honor and to seek help from the saint before whose images the candle is lit.
Roman pagan culture used candles in religious practice. Lit candles were used in religious and military processions, showing the divine presence, aid, or favor of the gods. With the development of emperor worship, candles were also lit near his image as a sign of respect and reverence. The emperor was considered divine and even given the titles Pontifex Maximus (High Priest) and Dominus et Deus (Lord and God).
Christians adapted the use of lit candles (or even oil lamps in the Eastern Roman Empire) for Mass, liturgical processions, evening prayer ceremonies, funeral processions, and to show reverence.