 Today, in the United States and Southern Europe (e.g., Italy and France) the candle is approximately 4 inches (10 centimetres) in diameter and 36 to 48 inches (90 to 120 centimetres) tall; in Northern Europe the candle tends to be shorter in height (19 to 24 inches/50 to 60 centimetres) and wider in diameter (3 to 5 inches/8 to 13 centimetres).For churches that celebrate the Easter Vigil on the night of Holy Saturday, the ceremonial lighting of the Paschal candle is one of the most solemn moments of the service.On Maundy Thursday of the same week the entire church is darkened by extinguishing all candles and lamps.