There are four major symbols used in the Rite of Baptism;
Water: A symbol of purification, cleansing, life and death and nourishment. It symbolised the washing away of original sin (a stain on humanity after Adam and Eve disobeyed God). The use of water is a key symbol linking the event to the Old Testament, water is seen in the creation story (Genesis 1) as a sign of life, the story of Noah's Ark (Genesis 7) as a sign of destruction and death and in the story of Moses parting the red sea (Exodus 14).
Oil: There are two oils used in the liturgy:
Anointing with the oil of chrism is the seal of the Holy Spirit. The candidate is now recognised as a member of the family of God.
The oil of catechumen is used to remove evil and sin.
White Garment: A symbol of a new life given after baptism, where the candidate has chosen a life away from sin. It signifies the purity and the transformation that has occurred within the person.
Candle: Lit from the Easter candle, the baptismal candle symbolises Jesus Christ guiding the life of the baptised as a light to The Way. Jesus illuminates the life of Christians.
Water: A symbol of purification, cleansing, life and death and nourishment. It symbolised the washing away of original sin (a stain on humanity after Adam and Eve disobeyed God). The use of water is a key symbol linking the event to the Old Testament, water is seen in the creation story (Genesis 1) as a sign of life, the story of Noah's Ark (Genesis 7) as a sign of destruction and death and in the story of Moses parting the red sea (Exodus 14).
Oil: There are two oils used in the liturgy:
Anointing with the oil of chrism is the seal of the Holy Spirit. The candidate is now recognised as a member of the family of God.
The oil of catechumen is used to remove evil and sin.
White Garment: A symbol of a new life given after baptism, where the candidate has chosen a life away from sin. It signifies the purity and the transformation that has occurred within the person.
Candle: Lit from the Easter candle, the baptismal candle symbolises Jesus Christ guiding the life of the baptised as a light to The Way. Jesus illuminates the life of Christians.