Why do we use votive candles?

Before addressing the use of votive candles in particular, we have to appreciate the symbolism of light and the general usage of candles in religious practice. In Judaism, a perpetual light was kept burning in the Temple and the synagogues not only to insure the ability to light other candles or oil lamps in the evening but also to show the presence of God (cf. Exodus 27:20-21 and Leviticus 24:2-4). Later, the Talmud prescribed a lit lamp at the Ark, where the Torah and other writings of Sacred Scripture were kept, to show reverence to the Word of God. (This practice probably influenced our own one of having a lit candle near the Tabernacle to indicate the presence of and to show reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.)

Roman pagan culture also used candles in religious practice. Lit candles were used in religious and military processions, showing the divine presence, aid, or favor of the gods. With the development of emperor worship, candles were also lit near his image as a sign of respect and reverence. Remember that by the time of Jesus, the emperor was considered divine and even given the titles, Pontifex Maximus (High Priest) and Dominus et Deus (Lord and God).

Christians adapted the use of lit candles (and oil lamps in the Eastern Roman Empire) for Mass, liturgical processions, evening prayer ceremonies, funeral processions, and, again, to show reverence to the reserved Blessed Sacrament. Moreover, there is evidence that lit candles or oil lamps were burned at the tombs of saints, particularly martyrs, by the 200s, and before sacred images and relics by the 300s. St. Jerome (d. 420) in his Contra Vigilantium attested to this practice. Note, however, that this practice probably existed well before our available written evidence.

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Why do we use votive candles? - Catholic Straight Answers

SavedByGrace3 said:

As a protestant who was brought up in a heavily Catholic town, the candles were a common and actually pleasant ritual. Even tho I was Episcopalian, I would frequent the Catholic Mass with friends and that special girlfriend. Today, my daughter-in-law is Catholic, and her church, like most Catholic churches, is beautiful!
As a convert in 1971 during the "Jesus Movement," we were down on any sort of tradition or ritual. The older I got, the more I saw the importance of tradition and rituals. They add continuity to your life, your family, your community, and from generation to generation.
In our home today, we have a small alter for communion and there are votive candles.

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Amen brother!