I found an article in the NY times from Nov. 20, 1894 that described the funeral services for Alexander III. There is a reference to transferring lighted candles from the tomb of the previous emperor to that of the newly deceased. Has anyone heard of this before, as it was new to me?
The article states:
"The large candle that remains lighted at the head of the tomb of the dead Czar's father, Alexander II, and the smaller one at the foot of his coffin will now be extinguished. These candles, which have been burning constantly since the burial of Alexander II, will now be transferred to the head and foot of the tomb of Alexander III, there to remain relighted until the next Czar is lowered into the vault, when a similar change will be made.
"A guard of sacristans, in semi-military attire, but unarmed, are always on duty at the tomb, and keep the candles trimmed and lighted. They are under strict injuction never to allow one of them to go out."