In a Christian baptism ceremony, godparents are given taper candles to hold during the ceremony as a symbol of their role in the child's life and faith. The taper candles typically lit from the Paschal candle, which represents the light of Christ that illuminates the darkness of sin and death.
The godparents hold the taper candles to signify their willingness and commitment to help guide the child in their faith journey and to be an example of the light of Christ to the child. They also symbolize the godparents' role as spiritual guides and mentors to the child, who will be responsible for helping to teach the child about the faith and to provide support and guidance throughout their life.
Additionally, in some traditions, the godparents will light their taper candles from the Paschal candle and then use them to light the baptism candle of the child being baptized. This act symbolizes the passing of the light of Christ from one generation to another, and the godparents' role in helping to nurture and pass on the faith to the child.
In summary, taper candles are used as a symbol of the godparents' role in the child's life, faith and spiritual journey and it also serves as a reminder of the light of Christ which is passed on from one generation to another.
