Viering van Maria-Lichtmis, Witte Donderdag en Pasen in de rooms-katholieke kerk 1724

Bernard Picart created this print, now at the Rijksmuseum, documenting Roman Catholic ceremonies. Note the pervasive symbol of the candle. Here, it is linked to purification and enlightenment during Candlemas, Maundy Thursday, and Easter. Consider how the candle, a modest source of light, pierces the darkness. This echoes the ancient pagan rites of purification by fire, now Christianised. The act of holding a candle in procession, repeated through the ages, becomes a powerful collective memory, linking present-day worshippers to traditions stretching back centuries. In the lower right vignette, the large Paschal candle is blessed. This ritual mirrors ancient fire festivals, re-emerging through Christianity to conquer spiritual darkness. The flame, fragile yet potent, carries the weight of hope, rebirth, and the subconscious longing for purification. The image is a vessel, carrying these symbolic currents across time, engaging us in a timeless dance of light and shadow.