I WAS quite curious to see people light candles in Quiapo Church and make wishes.

It has been a practice for most Filipinos who come to this holy place to express their faith especially to the miraculous Black Nazarene.

It’s good that I too have experienced praying the rosary inside Quaipo Church and have touched the cloth and prayed before the image of the Black Nazarene.

I asked the candle vendors how they attest the effects of these candles when people buy from them.

They said people do not keep on returning if it is not true. But still they assert that it depends on whether you believe in it or not.

The colors of the candles have their corresponding meanings such as red for the family and soul; maroon for thanksgiving and healing; white for purity, success and birthdays; green for job, business, money and travel; pink for health and love; peach for studies and board exams; orange for brightness; yellow for good spirit; brown for good fortune; violet for material wealth; blue for peace and black for conscience.

Most of the people who lit candles chose the colored ones. But I have not seen someone light a black candle.

The candle vendor said that the black ones serve as an appeal to the conscience of those who badly hate you or otherwise.

As a matter of faith, God is still powerful that can overpower earthly practices and tendencies.

Lighting candles to wish for the good of the others and for oneself might be a great idea coupled with sincere prayers to God.

At least, I have seen this one Filipino tradition that many have truly believed and practiced it.