Chloe Adams
Novena candles are used in Catholic religious devotions, or novenas, which are 9-day prayer rituals intended to seek aid and build a relationship with a specific saint. Novena candles are typically made of beeswax or paraffin and are encased in glass. They are lit at the beginning of the novena and are meant to burn continuously for 9 days, though some sources state 7-9 days. The candles are often accompanied by prayers or incantations, and the colour of the candle is said to have an impact on the intention of the ritual. While it is not recommended to blow out novena candles due to the smoke and soot that can be left behind, candle snuffers can be used to extinguish the flame safely and effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal way to put out a novena candle | Using a candle snuffer |
| Reasons to use a candle snuffer | Minimises smoke, prevents wax and soot from being blown around, protects the wick and wax, and prevents the candle from overheating |
| Other ways to put out a candle | Using a wick dipper, blowing it out |
| Whether to blow out a novena candle | Not recommended due to the smoke, soot, and wax issues it can cause |
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What You'll Learn
Novena candles should not be extinguished
Novena candles are used in an ancient and deeply symbolic spiritual practice in the Christian tradition, especially in Catholicism. The candle is lit to mark the beginning of a novena, which is a devotion practised over nine days. The candle burns continuously for nine days, symbolising the divine light that never goes out. This light represents hope and faith in God's presence and action in one's life.
The novena is a time devoted to prayer, where believers turn away from worldly distractions and towards God. The continuous burning of the candle throughout the novena period symbolises the commitment to pray without interruption during this time. It is a reminder to be patient and trust in the divine plan, as certain blessings may take time to manifest through continuous and persevering prayer.
The novena candle is often lit for a specific intention, such as a request for healing, a prayer for peace, or a plea for strength during challenging times. The act of burning the candle gives tangible expression to this intention, even in the physical absence of the person praying. Therefore, extinguishing the candle would disrupt the symbolism of continuous prayer and perseverance.
Additionally, in the context of Pagan and Witchcraft practices, Novena candles are used to add strength to a spell or prayer. While some sources suggest snuffing out the candle at bedtime or when leaving the house, it is important to note that the uninterrupted burning of the candle for the full duration of the novena is considered essential in traditional Catholic practice.
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Use a candle snuffer
Using a candle snuffer is a great way to extinguish a novena candle. Candle snuffers are instruments used to extinguish burning candles, consisting of a small cone at the end of a long handle. They are also known as candle extinguishers or douters. The use of a snuffer helps to avoid problems associated with blowing hot wax and the smoke and odour of a smouldering wick.
To use a candle snuffer, hold it over your candle and lower the bell end onto the lit flame. Ensure that the snuffer does not go into the melted wax. Once the snuffer fully envelopes the flame, hold it there for a moment until the flame fully extinguishes. Then, remove the snuffer from the candle. This method helps to preserve the quality of your candle wax and fragrance.
Candle snuffers are superior to blowing out a candle because they prevent wax and soot from being blown around and potentially getting stuck inside the vessel. They provide a more delicate way to extinguish a flame, protecting your wick and wax. They are also safer than blowing out a candle, which can cause issues like unevenness and tunneling in the wax.
Candle snuffers are affordable and add a sense of sophistication to your space. They are widely available in occult shops and on Amazon. Antique candle snuffers are beautifully designed and highly collectible, while modern candle snuffers are fashionably designed and put out candles safely and quickly without lingering smoke.
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Hover the snuffer over the wick
When it's time to extinguish the flame of a novena candle, using a candle snuffer is the best way to do so. Candle snuffers are superior to blowing out a candle because they prevent wax and soot from being blown around and protect your wick and wax in the process. They also avoid the smoke and odour of a smouldering wick.
A candle snuffer is a long-handled instrument with a bell or cylinder-shaped cone at one end. When placed over a lit wick, snuffers keep air away from the flame, causing it to extinguish. To use a candle snuffer effectively, hover it over the wick for roughly 10 seconds without dipping it into the wax. Make sure the snuffer does not go into the melted wax, as this can cause issues with your wax, such as tunneling and unevenness.
The key to successfully snuffing out a candle is to pay attention to how you hold the snuffer over the candle. Hold the snuffer gently over the wick, being careful not to dip it too far down. Once the snuffer fully envelopes the flame, hold it in place for a moment until the flame goes out completely. You may see a small wisp of smoke escape, which is normal.
After extinguishing the flame, remove the snuffer from the candle and store it in a safe, out-of-the-way place. You can also cover the candle with a lid to prevent dust or debris from settling on the wax. By using a candle snuffer, you can effectively extinguish your novena candle while maintaining the quality and integrity of the candle.
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Avoid wax and soot being blown around
Blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter and create an uneven surface. This is not only messy, but it can also be dangerous, as hot wax can cause burns. Blowing out a candle can also cause issues with the wax, such as tunneling, which can be difficult to fix. Additionally, the force of blowing can cause the wick to emit a lot of smoke, which can be unpleasant and even hazardous. This smoke can also affect the fragrance of the candle, which is especially undesirable for scented candles.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use a candle snuffer or a wick dipper. Candle snuffers are small handheld tools used to extinguish candle flames without blowing them out. They are designed with a handle and a cone or bell-shaped metal cap. When placed over the flame, the cupped end of the snuffer creates a vacuum that draws the flame up into the chamber, cutting off the oxygen supply and killing the flame. This method prevents wax from being blown around and minimizes smoke and soot production, making it a cleaner and healthier option.
Wick dippers are another effective way to extinguish a candle without blowing. They typically have a long handle with a hook or tip at one end. To use a wick dipper, quickly press the wick into the melted wax to eliminate oxygen and immediately put out the flame. This method produces little to no smoke and makes it easier to relight the candle.
By using a candle snuffer or a wick dipper, you can avoid the mess and potential hazards associated with blowing out a candle, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable candle-burning experience.
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Avoid using the lid
It may be tempting to simply use the lid of the candle to snuff out the flame, but this is not recommended. Using the lid can cause the hot wax to splatter and create a mess, and it can also be dangerous. The lid could also extinguish the flame unevenly, leaving the wick still lit in places, which could lead to an uneven burn the next time you light the candle. Instead, it is better to use a snuffer or even your fingers to gently snuff out the flame. If you don't have a snuffer, you can create a similar effect by cupping your hand slightly and blowing gently towards the base of the flame. This will starve the flame of oxygen and cause it to go out. Be sure to blow gently and not directly at the flame, as this could cause hot wax to splatter. Another option is to use a long stick or thin piece of wood, like a chopstick or skewer, to gently press and hold the wick down until the flame goes out. This method can help avoid any hot wax splatters and also ensures the wick is fully extinguished. Always be cautious when handling lit candles and ensure you have something nearby to help extinguish the flame safely if needed.
It is also important to trim the wick before relighting to ensure a clean, even burn. Using a wick trimmer, or even carefully trimming with scissors, will help keep the candle burning evenly and avoid excessive smoking or soot build-up. Maintaining your candle in this way will ensure it burns effectively and safely each time you use it. Remember, always practice caution when dealing with open flames and hot wax to ensure a safe and pleasant experience. Taking care to snuff out the candle properly each time will also help prolong the life of your candle and ensure you get the most out of it.
While it may be tempting to simply 'put a lid on it,' using the lid to extinguish your novena candle is not the best idea. The lid can create more issues than it solves, and there are far better methods to safely and effectively snuff out the flame. So, resist the urge to take the easy route and opt for one of the alternative methods outlined. A little extra care will ensure a safer and more enjoyable candle-burning experience overall. Safety and attention to detail are key when it comes to candle care and maintenance, so always take the time to handle your novena candle with the respect and attention it deserves.
It is worth taking the time to properly care for your novena candle and ensure it is extinguished fully and safely. While it may seem like a quick and easy solution, using the lid to snuff out the candle is not the best method and can cause more problems than it solves. Hot wax splatters, uneven burning, and even safety hazards can result from this seemingly convenient method. Instead, opt for using a snuffer, your fingers, or a gentle breath of air to starve the flame of oxygen and create a clean extinguish. Alternatively, a thin piece of wood can be used to press and hold the wick down. These methods ensure the candle is fully extinguished and will burn cleanly and evenly the next time you light it. So, take a moment and avoid the lid—your candle, and your surrounding environment, will thank you!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you use a candle snuffer to extinguish a novena candle. This is because blowing out a candle can cause wax to become uneven and smoke to be released.
A candle snuffer, or douter, is a small tool used to extinguish candles. They are bell, cylinder, or cone-shaped and may be made of metal or another heat-resistant material. They have been used since the mid-17th century and are considered the best way to extinguish a candle.
To use a candle snuffer, hold it gently over the candle's wick for around 10 seconds. This will starve the flame of oxygen and cause it to go out.
