When is the Paschal (Easter) Candle lit?

Question

In Christianity, is it lit on Holy Thursday until the day of ascension or is it lit for the entire 50-day period?

Answer 1

It is lighted for each liturgy during the great fifty days of Easter. (Easter is not over until Pentecost, the fiftieth day!) Ideally, the candle burns continuously from the Vigil of Easter through Pentecost. Since this is usually not practical, the paschal candle should be lighted well before the arrival of worshipers and remain lit until after all have departed. To heighten the symbolism, it could be lighted any time groups of people assemble in or near the nave (meetings, rehearsals, and so forth). If evening prayer is celebrated during the season of Easter, the assembly gathers for prayer around the burning paschal candle. A separate vesper candle is not used.

In some traditions, the paschal candle is extinguished at the reading of the gospel on the Ascension of our Lord. This practice emphasizes the historical presence of Jesus following the resurrection, rather than focusing on the presence of the Risen Christ in our time. The fuller symbolism of the paschal candle calls for letting it remain lighted and central through the entire Easter season.



http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Worship/Learning-Center/FAQs/Paschal-Candle.aspx

Answer 2

It is lit upon the Easter Vigil day and will continue on being lit until the Day of the Ascension.

Answer 3

It is lit on the Easter Vigil until Ascension Day

Answer 4

Only some forms of christianity, but from easter to the 'ascension'.

Answer 5

It is always lit.