Symbols of Baptism

The main symbols used in a Catholic baptism are water, oil, white garment and light.

Water

‍The word ‘baptism’ comes from the Greek verb baptizein, meaning to immerse or dip. In the central ritual of the baptism ceremony, the celebrant immerses the candidate in water or pours water over their head saying “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.

The water is a sign of cleansing, symbolically washing away the sin of the person being baptised. Because nothing can live without it, water is also a sign of life. The holy water used in baptism is a sign of the new spiritual life into which the baptised person has entered.

Anointing with Oil

‍Before the immersion in or sprinkling with water, the celebrant anoints the candidate with the Oil of Catechumens. The Oil of Catechumens is olive oil which has been specially blessed. It is associated with the days when athletes used to rub oil into their bodies before events to strengthen them and make their skin more supple, and symbolises strengthening for the challenges of life ahead.

After baptism, the candidate’s head is anointed with Chrism. Chrism is a combination of olive oil and balsam, and symbolises the sealing with the Holy Spirit. The words of the celebrant make clear the meaning: “As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as members of his body, sharing everlasting life”.

White Garment

‍The newly-baptised is clothed in a white garment. The colour white speaks of life, purity, newness and innocence. It is also a sign of the new life of resurrection.  At baptism we are robed in a white garment as a sign of Christian dignity and instructed to bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven. The celebrant’s words include “You have become a new creation, and have clothed yourselves in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity”.

Candle

‍A candle is lit from the Paschal (Easter) Candle which symbolises the light of Christ, the Light of the World, and is held by the candidate or by a parent or godparent in the case of an infant or child. The words of the celebrant express well the meaning of this symbol: “This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He/She is to walk always as a child of the light. May he (she) keep the flame of faith alive in his (her) heart”.