<P> A votive candle or prayer candle is a small candle, typically white or beeswax yellow, intended to be burnt as a votive offering in an act of Christian prayer, especially within the Anglican and Roman Catholic Christian denominations, among others . In Christianity, votive candles are commonplace in many churches, as well as home altars, and symbolize the "prayers the worshipper is offering for him or herself, or for other people ." The size of a votive candle is often two inches tall by one and a half inches diameter, although other votive candles can be significantly taller and wider . In other religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, similar offerings exist, which include diyas and butter lamps . </P> <P> Candles are lit for prayer intentions . To "light a candle for someone" indicates one's intention to say a prayer for another person, and the candle symbolizes that prayer . Many times, "a board is placed nearby with names of those for whom prayer is requested ." A donation box sometimes is placed near a votive candle rack in order that Christians lighting the votive candles can help defray the cost of votive candles . </P>

What do candles symbolize in the catholic church