Why Are Oil Lamps Used in Religion?
Oil lamps have represented spirit and spiritual ideas since ancient times. They have continued to burn in cathedrals, mosques, synagogues, churches, chapels, temples and other locations where the faithful gather for worship, prayer or meditation. The lamp contains an oil and a wick and, when lit, the lamp provides a source of life for several hours or even days. The light produced by the lamp may illustrate the illumination provided by spiritual insight, the presence of divinity or it may symbolize the continuation of life. Regardless of its meaning, the oil lamp has a place in all of the world's major religions. Does this Spark an idea?
Judaism
The oil lamp in Jewish Scriptures most often symbolizes God lighting the way for his people. In Exodus, God commands the people to bring olive oil so that a lamp can burn continually in the tabernacle. The scriptures often compare the soul of man to an oil lamp and God is said to have a lamp prepared for David in the Psalms.
Menorah
Perhaps the best-known symbol of Judaism and perhaps the best-known lamp symbol in all religions is the Jewish Menorah. God gives the command for the Menorah in the Book of Numbers, telling the people to light seven lamps. The Menorah comes from the story of the rededication of the temple after it was looted. The holy lamp remained to be lit but there was only enough oil remaining for one day and it would take several days for new oil to be prepared. Despite the amount of oil that remained in the lamp at the time it was lit, the lamp burned for eight days--enough time for new oil to be prepared.
Christianity
In the Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Church, an oil lamp still burns on the altar. The oil lamp in the Orthodox church is lit at the time the church is consecrated and is never allowed to go out. Referred to as the sanctuary lamp or altar lamp, it goes back to God's command in Exodus that a lamp should always burn in the tabernacle. The sanctuary lamp symbolizes the presence of God.
Islam
Much like in the Jewish and Christian faiths, the use of the oil lamp--or mosque lamp--in the mosque symbolized God's presence in the place of worship. Oil lamps were commonly used in mosques before the advent of electricity. The Koran includes references to oil lamps and in one instance remarks upon God being the light of the world with a likeness unto a lamp.
Hinduism
Oil lamps often light shrines within Hindu temples and homes. The Hindu puja ceremony also includes an oil lamp. Hindus are instructed to light a lamp each day to drive the devil from their homes and invite in light, or the Almighty. The lighting of a lamp is referred to as deeparadhana and requires strict protocol be followed in its lighting.
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