Brooke Martin
Candles are often used during vigils, but they can be tricky to keep lit outdoors. To prevent candles from blowing out in the wind, you can use sturdy, weighted candle holders or glass hurricanes and metal lanterns to protect the flame. If you're looking for a DIY solution, you can cut a large plastic bottle, fill the bottom with sand or gravel, and cut a hole in the side for airflow. Alternatively, opt for candles designed for outdoor use, such as those made with essential oils to repel bugs. Beeswax tea lights and glass candles can also provide a cozy ambiance while being more wind-resistant.
Characteristics and Values of Vigil Candle Maintenance Outdoors
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle Type | Beeswax, soy wax, and essential oil blends |
| Candle Holder | Sturdy, weighted, glass, or metal lanterns |
| Wind Protection | Glass hurricanes, milk jugs, or plastic bottles with sand/gravel |
| Candle Rotation | Rotate periodically to encourage even burn in breezy conditions |
| Extinguishing | Avoid blowing out, gently push into wax pool or use water |
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What You'll Learn
Use sturdy, weighted candle holders
When holding a vigil outdoors, it is important to use sturdy, weighted candle holders to prevent candles from blowing out. This is because candles are sensitive to wind, and a gust of wind can easily blow them out.
To prevent this, opt for candle holders that are specifically designed to withstand outdoor breezes and won't topple over. Glass hurricanes or metal lanterns are excellent choices as they provide protection from the wind while maintaining elegance. When using a hurricane glass, ensure there is at least 2" of space around the candle. Additionally, secure any tablecloths to avoid them being blown onto the table and potentially knocking over the candles.
If you're looking for a DIY solution, you can fill a large plastic bottle (2 litres or more) with sand or gravel and cut a square hole in one side, leaving the cap off for airflow. You can then place the candle inside the bottle, providing stability and protection from the wind. Alternatively, you can partially bury the bottle in the ground for added stability.
Another option is to use a glass hurricane candle holder and fill the bottom with rocks before placing the candle on top. Just ensure that the flame is below the top of the holder to protect it from the wind.
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Burn candles in glass vessels
Burning candles in glass vessels is a great way to protect the flame from the wind. Glass hurricanes or metal lanterns are excellent choices for outdoor vigils as they provide protection from the wind while maintaining elegance.
When choosing a glass vessel, opt for a high-quality candle from a reputable manufacturer. Quality candles are less likely to have issues such as uneven burning or overheating. Ensure the vessel is sturdy and heavy enough to withstand outdoor breezes and won't be in danger of falling over. Use a hurricane glass that leaves at least 2 inches of space around the candle.
Before lighting the candle, trim the wick to approximately 1/4 inch (about 6mm). This helps prevent excessive flickering, soot buildup, and ensures a more controlled flame. It also helps the candle burn more evenly and reduces the risk of the flame overheating the glass vessel.
Always place glass-encased candles on a heat-resistant surface, such as a candle holder, coaster, heatproof tray, ceramic, metal, or a tempered glass plate. These materials can handle high temperatures and prevent damage to furniture. Avoid placing candles on flammable surfaces such as wood, fabric, or carpets.
Limit each burning session to a few hours to prevent overheating and ensure even burning. Allow the wax to melt evenly across the entire surface to create a full melt pool. This prevents tunneling, where wax remains on the sides of the vessel, creating an uneven burn.
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always keep an eye on the candle and extinguish it before leaving the room or going to sleep. Place candles in areas that are not easily accessible to children or pets.
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Rotate candles periodically to encourage an even burn
To prevent candles from blowing out during a vigil, it is recommended to use sturdy, weighted candle holders that can withstand outdoor breezes. Glass hurricanes or metal lanterns are excellent choices as they provide protection from the wind while maintaining elegance. However, another important factor to consider is the rotation of the candles.
Periodically rotating your vigil candles can help balance out uneven wax pools, especially in areas with slight drafts or uneven heat distribution. By regularly turning the candle, you can ensure a more uniform burn and maximize the use of all the wax, preventing waste. This practice is especially useful if there is a slight breeze that causes the flame to flicker and blow in one direction. Rotating the candle can help to distribute the heat more evenly, preventing the wax from melting faster on one side than the other.
The type of wax used in the candle can also affect how evenly it burns. Softer waxes, like soy wax, tend to melt more evenly, while harder waxes may require more encouragement to burn uniformly. Therefore, when choosing vigil candles, consider opting for those made with softer wax, or at least a wax type that is known to burn evenly.
Additionally, it is important to note that the initial burn of the candle sets the stage for subsequent burns. If the first burn does not allow the wax to melt all the way to the edge, the candle is more likely to exhibit "tunneling," where the wax burns down unevenly, creating a deeper wax wall. To correct this, you may need to gently scoop out the excess wax, creating a more even surface for the flame to reach and melt.
In summary, rotating vigil candles periodically is an effective way to encourage an even burn, especially in outdoor settings with slight breezes. This practice helps to distribute heat evenly, preventing wax from melting faster on one side than the other. Combining this technique with the use of sturdy, weighted candle holders, choosing softer wax types, and ensuring a proper initial burn can greatly increase the likelihood of your vigil candles burning evenly and for their full duration.
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Use a plastic bottle with sand or gravel as a windbreak
If you're looking to prevent candles from blowing out during an outdoor vigil, one option is to use a plastic bottle with sand or gravel as a windbreak. Here's how you can do it:
First, get a large plastic bottle, preferably one that is 2 litres or more in size. The larger the bottle, the more stable it will be, especially when filled with sand or gravel. Next, fill the bottom third to half of the bottle with sand or gravel. This will add weight to the bottle and help keep it in place, even in windy conditions. You can also use rocks or pebbles if you don't have sand or gravel readily available.
Once the bottle is filled, use scissors or a sharp knife to cut a square hole in one side of the bottle, close to the bottom. This hole will allow air to flow into the bottle and fuel the candle flame. Make sure the hole is big enough to provide adequate airflow while also ensuring that the bottle remains stable. Leave the cap off the bottle to further enhance airflow.
If you want to increase stability, you can partially bury the bottle in the ground. This is especially useful if you're expecting stronger winds. Additionally, consider using a more square-shaped jug, such as an American milk gallon, as it will be less top-heavy and less likely to tip over.
Place your candle inside the bottle, ensuring that the flame is below the top of the bottle to protect it from the wind. You can also use a wax paper cup to hold the candle and then place it inside the bottle. This setup will create a barrier around the candle, shielding it from the wind and allowing it to stay lit during your vigil.
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Avoid open flames in windy conditions
If you're dealing with a slight breeze, you can periodically rotate the candle to encourage an even burn. If the wind has caused the candle to drip, consider extinguishing it, as drips cause the candle to lose wax and fuel, reducing burn time.
To prevent candles from blowing out in windier conditions, opt for sturdy, heavily weighted candle holders that can withstand breezes and won't fall over. Glass hurricanes or metal lanterns are excellent choices as they provide protection from the wind while maintaining elegance. Ensure there is at least 2" of space between the candle and the hurricane glass.
Burning candles already made in glass vessels can also help protect the flame from the wind. For example, beeswax sanctuary glass candles, garden party glass candles, and beeswax apothecary aromatherapy glass candles.
If you're looking for a DIY solution, one option is to get a large plastic bottle (2 litres or more) and fill the bottom third to half with sand or gravel. Cut a square hole in one side, leaving the cap off for airflow, and partially bury it in the ground if needed. You can then stick the candles through a wax paper cup and into the ground, or through the hole in the bottle.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ways to prevent candles from blowing out during a windy vigil:
- Use sturdy, weighted candle holders or glass hurricanes/metal lanterns to protect the candle flame from the wind.
- Place candles in a triangle formation with the wicks pointing towards each other to keep the flames alive.
- Use wind protectors or shields designed for outdoor candles.
- Choose outdoor candles made with natural essential oils to repel insects without the use of harsh chemicals.
To properly extinguish candles during an outdoor vigil, avoid blowing them out as it can create an unpleasant after-scent and make the wax uneven. Instead, use a candle snuffer, a long-stemmed metal rod with a small cone or bell at the end, to cut off the oxygen supply and extinguish the flame. Alternatively, use a wick dipper to press the lit wick into the wax pool, instantly snuffing out the flame.
Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind when using candles during an outdoor vigil:
- Never leave burning candles unattended and keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep lit candles away from flammable materials such as foliage, curtains, rugs, fabrics, or combustible liquids.
- Ensure the wick is trimmed correctly to prevent the flame from travelling too far down the wick, reducing the candle's lifespan.
- Do not blow air directly towards the flame or allow it to waver, as this can cause the fire to spread.
