Jessie Taylor
Little Candles Day, or Día de las Velitas, is a widely observed religious holiday in Colombia, celebrated on 7 December. The day commemorates the Immaculate Conception of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, marking the unofficial start of the Christmas season. On this day, people place colourful candles and paper lanterns on windowsills, balconies, porches, sidewalks, streets, parks, and squares. In the lead-up to Little Candles Day, cities and towns across Colombia are adorned with Christmas decorations, with streets closed to traffic to allow pedestrians to admire the light arrangements and participate in family-oriented activities. While the specific traditions vary across regions, the day is marked by gatherings, special meals, songs, and reflection on blessings and wishes for the future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 7 December |
| Location | Colombia |
| Occasion | Commemorating the Immaculate Conception of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary |
| Who celebrates | Catholics |
| Decorations | Candles, lanterns, paper lanterns, sculptures of the Christmas Panther, Christmas decorations |
| Where decorations are placed | Windowsills, balconies, porches, sidewalks, streets, parks, squares, everywhere they can be seen |
| Timing of lighting candles | Evening of 7 December, midnight on 8 December, early hours of 8 December |
| Activities | Family gatherings, special meals, fireworks shows, competitions, carol events, live nativity scenes |
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What You'll Learn
Using trays or platters to display candles
Little Candles Day, or the Day of the Little Candles, is a religious holiday celebrated in Colombia on 7 December. It marks the unofficial start of the Christmas season and is celebrated with the lighting of candles and lanterns. People place candles everywhere, from windowsills and balconies to streets and parks, in honour of the Virgin Mary and her Immaculate Conception.
- Use fillers: Surround the candles on the tray or platter with fillers such as flat marbles, seashells, pine cones, or acorns. These fillers add to the visual appeal and help anchor the candles in place.
- Vary candle sizes and shapes: Use candles of different sizes and shapes on the same tray or platter to create a dynamic and interesting display.
- Create a nautical theme: If you're a fan of nautical decor, surround the candles on the platter with seashells. This can be especially fitting for a seaside cottage.
- Use graters: For a unique twist, cover votive candles with vintage graters. When the candles are lit, the flame will glow through the tiny holes of the graters, creating a pretty effect.
- Group flameless candles: Flameless or LED candles are a safe alternative to traditional candles. Group them together on a rectangular platter to make a statement.
- Combine with other decor: Arrange tapered candles in a swirling pattern inside a jar. This decorative piece can then be placed among other home decor items for a stylish touch.
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Decorating candles with cinnamon sticks
Little Candles Day, or the Day of the Little Candles, is a widely observed religious holiday in Colombia. It is celebrated on 7 December, on the eve of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. Families come together to share a meal and light candles and lanterns outside their homes.
Supplies:
- Plain candles (white or any other colour)
- Cinnamon sticks
- Floral shears or scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Elastic bands
- Twine or burlap/fabric ribbon
- Hot glue gun (optional)
Instructions:
- Measure the height of your candles using a ruler or measuring tape.
- Cut the cinnamon sticks into different or uniform lengths, ensuring they are roughly the same height as the candle. This step can be messy, so it is recommended to do it over a trash can.
- Place an elastic band around the candle. Insert the cinnamon sticks into the gap between the candle and the elastic band, filling it completely. If any cinnamon sticks fall out, add a few more to secure them in place.
- Once the candle is covered with cinnamon sticks, wrap twine or ribbon around the outside. Cut the twine/ribbon longer than the circumference of the candle, then knot it with a bow. You can trim any excess twine/ribbon later.
- Optionally, you can use a hot glue gun to secure the decorations further.
These cinnamon stick candles can be made with any type of candle, including pillar candles, LED candles, or jar candles. They are perfect for Little Candles Day, adding warmth and fragrance to your celebrations. Enjoy crafting these decorative candles and sharing them with your loved ones!
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Using candles and lanterns to light up homes and cities
Little Candles Day, or the Day of the Little Candles, is a religious holiday celebrated in Colombia on 7 December. The day is marked by the lighting of candles and lanterns, which are placed on windowsills, balconies, sidewalks, porches, streets, parks, and squares. The festival is celebrated throughout Colombia, but traditions vary in each region and city.
Candles and lanterns are a beautiful way to light up homes and cities, and there are many ways to decorate with them. Here are some ideas for using candles and lanterns to create a warm and inviting atmosphere:
Choose the Right Candles
The type of candle you choose can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your display. For example, flameless candles are a safe alternative to traditional candles, especially if you have young children or pets. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your space.
Trays and Platters
Using a tray or platter to display your candles can add a touch of elegance to your display. Surround the candles with fillers or other decorative items to create a unique and personalised look.
Height Variation
Playing with height can create a visually interesting display. Try using candle holders or stands of different heights, or place candles on a tray or down the centre of a table in a long line to create a sense of depth.
Natural Embellishments
Enhance the beauty of your candles by decorating them with natural embellishments. Cinnamon sticks, for example, offer a warm and cosy feel, while also providing a soothing aroma. Similarly, coffee beans, cereals, beans, seeds, nuts, and even pasta can be used to create unique and spectacular patterns.
Lanterns and Luminaries
Lanterns and luminaries are a wonderful way to incorporate candles into your decor. They can be placed on tables, windowsills, or hung from trees or other structures to create a magical atmosphere.
Safety Considerations
When using candles to decorate your home or city, it is important to keep safety in mind. Be sure to keep candles out of reach of children and pets, and never leave a burning candle unattended. Consider using flameless candles or LED candles to reduce the risk of fire.
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Candles placed on stumps made from branches
Little Candles Day, or the Day of the Little Candles, is a widely observed religious holiday in Colombia. It is celebrated on 7 December, on the eve of the Immaculate Conception, which is a public holiday in Colombia. This day marks the unofficial start of the Christmas season. On Little Candles Day, people place candles and paper lanterns on windowsills, balconies, porches, sidewalks, streets, parks, and squares. The lighting of candles and lanterns during Little Candles Day can hold different meanings, but for many, it’s a moment to reflect on blessings and make wishes for the future.
Create a Natural Centrepiece
Use candles placed on stumps made from branches as a stunning centrepiece for your dining table or any other table in your home. Surround the candles with natural ingredients from your garden or forest, such as pinecones, leaves, or berries. This will create a rustic and enchanting atmosphere for your Little Candles Day celebration.
Set Up an Outdoor Display
If you have a garden or outdoor space, you can create a magical setting by placing candles on stumps among the trees or bushes. Arrange the stumps at varying heights to create visual interest, and surround them with flowers, leaves, or other natural decorations. This will not only look beautiful but also provide a warm and inviting ambiance for any outdoor gatherings or celebrations you may host.
Incorporate Other Natural Elements
Combine your candles on branch stumps with other natural elements such as shells, cinnamon sticks, or even coffee beans. For example, you could create a "bed" for your candles from cones or shells, using a vase or basket as a base. Decorating with cinnamon sticks is not only visually appealing but also adds a warm and cosy aroma to your Little Candles Day celebration.
Add a Personal Touch
Consider decorating the stumps themselves with ribbons, lace, or other embellishments that match your personal style or the theme of your Little Candles Day celebration. You could also use the stumps as a canvas for personal messages or wishes. Write or carve meaningful words or drawings onto the stumps, creating a unique and heartfelt addition to your candle display.
Safety Considerations
When using real candles, always prioritise safety. Ensure that your candles are placed at a safe distance from flammable materials and out of reach of children and pets. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and follow basic fire safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable Little Candles Day celebration.
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Candles as part of a wedding table décor
Candles are a popular choice for wedding table décor, and there are many ways to incorporate them into your special day. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, candles can add a touch of warmth and romance to your tablescape. Here are some ideas to inspire your wedding candle décor:
Choose the Right Candles
Select candles that complement your wedding colour palette and theme. Consider the size and shape of the candles as well; for example, tall, slender candles can add elegance, while shorter, thicker candles may create a more rustic or intimate atmosphere. Flameless candles are also an option if you're concerned about open flames or want to avoid any potential fire hazards.
Centrepiece Display
Create a stunning centrepiece by grouping candles together in varying heights and sizes. Place them on a mirror or reflective surface to amplify the light and create a glamorous effect. Surround the candles with floral arrangements, greenery, or other decorative elements that fit your theme. You can also incorporate candles into a centrepiece by placing them inside lanterns, hurricane vases, or decorative candle holders.
Floating Candles
For a unique and enchanting look, consider using floating candles in clear glass bowls or vases filled with water. Add flowers, petals, or floating candles in varying heights to create a whimsical and romantic centrepiece. This idea is perfect for outdoor weddings or weddings with a water theme.
Candles and Table Settings
Incorporate candles into your table settings by placing small, decorative candles at each guest's place setting. This could be a simple tea light or a small votive candle in a holder that matches your wedding colours. You can even personalise the candles with each guest's name, turning the candle into a unique favour or gift.
Candles and Lighting
Use candles to create a soft and intimate ambiance by opting for low-light or candlelit settings. Strategically place candles of different heights around the table to cast a warm and flattering glow on your guests' faces. Combine candles with string lights or fairy lights draped across the table or suspended overhead to create a magical atmosphere.
Whether you choose simple and elegant designs or extravagant displays, incorporating candles into your wedding table décor will undoubtedly set the mood and create lasting memories for you and your guests.
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