Tyler Brooks
Candles have been a source of light and warmth for centuries, and their use has been deeply ingrained in various cultural and religious traditions. Over time, candles have become associated with a myriad of superstitions and symbolic meanings. For example, in the past, candles were used in séances to communicate with spirits, and it was believed that if the candles blew out suddenly, an evil spirit was present. In modern times, candles are often used in birthday celebrations, with the tradition of blowing out candles corresponding to one's age to make a wish. However, some beliefs advise against blowing out candles, especially in the practice of witchcraft, where it is believed that blowing out candles may interfere with manifestations and spellwork. The act of blowing out candles has also been explored in popular music, such as in the song Candles by Daughter, where the lyrics blow out all the candles take on a deeper meaning of ending a fruitless relationship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lyrics | "Cause we both know I'll never be your lover I only bring the heat Company under cover Filling space in your sheets. So please just blow out all the candles, blow out all the candles." |
| Superstition | People believe that blowing out all the candles on a birthday cake will make their wish come true. |
| Superstition | During séances, if the candles blew out suddenly, it was thought that an evil spirit was not only present but looking to harm those participating in the ceremony. |
| Usage in Witchcraft | Some people in the witchcraft community believe that spell/magick/ritual candles should never be blown out. |
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What You'll Learn
Superstitions and folklore surrounding candles
Candles have been a source of intrigue for centuries, with various superstitions and folklore surrounding them. They are often linked to spiritual and religious contexts, with many cultures believing that candles provide a connection to the divine. For example, in Hinduism, candles or oil lamps called diyas are lit during Diwali, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
In ancient times, candles were made from animal fat or beeswax and were used as instruments of communication with the divine. The Egyptians used candles in rituals to honour their gods and goddesses, believing that the flame carried their prayers to the heavens. Similarly, the ancient Greeks used candles in ceremonies dedicated to their deities, especially during the festival of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and the moon. The Greeks also believed that the smoke from blown-out birthday candles carried wishes to the gods. This tradition can be traced back to Ancient Greece, where candles were offered to the goddess Artemis.
Candles have also been used in romantic rituals and superstitions. In many cultures, lighting a candle during a romantic dinner is believed to ignite passion and deepen the bond between two people. The practice of lighting two candles from a single flame symbolises two souls coming together as one. If a couple lights a candle together and it burns steadily, it is seen as a sign of a strong and enduring love. Conversely, a candle that flickers or goes out prematurely might indicate external forces working against the relationship or the presence of spirits.
In addition to romance, candles have been used for protection and blessings. Long ago, English farmers would carefully wave a lit candle around their hatching chicken eggs, believing it would protect the chicks from hungry hawks. Superstitions also warn of the bad luck that comes from accidentally burning a candle all the way down, believing it will bring ill fortune to the one who lit it.
Overall, candles have played a significant role in various rituals and superstitions across different cultures and religions. They are often seen as a way to seek protection, guidance, and connection to the divine or spiritual realm.
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Birthday candles and wishes
Birthday candles are a staple of birthday celebrations. The tradition of placing candles on a birthday cake can be traced back to Germany in 1746, when Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf threw a lavish birthday bash, topping his cake with several candles corresponding to his age. This trend quickly caught on, and soon it became customary to place candles on birthday cakes in Germany and beyond.
Over time, superstitions and beliefs formed around the act of blowing out the candles on a birthday cake. People from various cultures began to believe that blowing out all the candles in one breath would grant their wish. This belief has persisted to the present day, with many people still making a wish before blowing out their birthday candles.
However, there are alternative ways to extinguish candles, such as using a snuffing method or a teacup to avoid blowing them out. This is because blowing out candles can increase the bacteria on the cake icing by 1400%, according to a 2017 study. Additionally, in the practice of witchcraft, some believe that blowing out spell candles is unacceptable, instead opting for snuffing or other methods.
Despite the various beliefs and superstitions surrounding birthday candles, the tradition of placing them on cakes and blowing them out remains a beloved part of birthday celebrations. It adds a touch of magic and excitement to the occasion, allowing people to make wishes and feel a sense of joy and anticipation.
So, the next time you find yourself in front of a birthday cake with glowing candles, remember the rich history and traditions associated with this simple yet meaningful act. Make a wish, blow out the candles (or not!), and enjoy the celebration, knowing that you are taking part in a long-standing tradition that brings light and happiness to people's lives.
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Bacteria on cakes from blowing out candles
Bacterial Transfer Associated with Blowing Out Candles on a Birthday Cake is a real concern, according to a study by Professor Paul Dawson of Clemson University. The study found that blowing out candles on a birthday cake increases the amount of bacteria on the frosting by 1400%.
The study examined the potential spread of bacteria when blowing out birthday candles. To test this, icing was spread over foil, and candles were placed through the foil into a Styrofoam base. Test subjects then ate pizza to stimulate their salivary glands before blowing out the candles. The icing was then recovered and tested for bacterial contamination.
The results showed a significant increase in bacteria on the icing that had been blown on, with some individuals transferring up to 120,000% more bacteria. This is due to the transfer of oral bacteria to the icing when blowing out the candles. While most oral bacteria are not harmful, there are some, such as Strep Pyogenes, which can cause strep throat and ear infections.
Despite these findings, doctors are not overly concerned. Dr. Marc Leavey, an internist at Mercy Personal Physicians in Lutherville, Maryland, stated that he cannot recall the birthday candle conundrum ever coming up in his 40-year career. Similarly, Paul Dawson, the study's author, stated that birthday parties should not be ruined over this, as the chance of getting sick from blowing out candles is minimal.
So, while it may be unpleasant to think about, eating a piece of birthday cake with blown-out candles is not a significant health risk. However, it is essential to use separate utensils when sharing food to reduce the risk of bacterial exposure.
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Respecting the ritual
The use of candles in rituals and superstitions has a long history, and even in modern times, candles hold a special significance for many people. Respecting the ritual of candle-lighting and extinguishing is important, especially when it comes to magical or spiritual practices.
One common superstition surrounding candles is the belief that blowing out all the candles on a birthday cake will grant the blower a wish. This tradition is said to have originated in Germany in 1746 when Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf threw a lavish birthday party for himself, topping his cake with several candles corresponding to his age. This practice quickly became the norm for birthday celebrations in Germany and eventually spread to other cultures. While the specific ritual of wishing on birthday candles may vary across different traditions, the underlying belief in the power of candles as wish-granting conduits persists.
In the realm of magic and witchcraft, the act of blowing out candles is sometimes considered taboo. Some practitioners believe that blowing out ritual candles can interfere with the manifestation process or invite negative energies. Instead of blowing, witches may use a snuffer or a creative alternative, such as a teacup, to extinguish the flame gently. Others may choose to thank the candle for its light and warmth before blowing it out, acknowledging the candle's role in their craft.
Additionally, candles have been used in spiritual practices such as séances, where they serve as a means of communication with the "other side." In this context, if the candles were to blow out suddenly, it was considered a sign of an evil spirit's presence, bringing harm to those participating in the ceremony.
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Safer methods to extinguish candles
While blowing out a candle flame may seem like the most obvious and common method, it can cause hot wax to splatter, potentially burning your skin or damaging nearby objects. It can also result in trapped smoke, which can ruin the scent of a candle.
A safer alternative is to use a wick dipper, which is a long-handled tool with a hook at one end. With this method, you quickly dip the wick into the melted wax to extinguish the flame, then lift it back out. This not only prevents smoke but also coats the wick with wax, making it easier to light next time. It is also a cheap option and easy to use.
Another popular tool for safely extinguishing candles is a candle snuffer, which works by cutting off the oxygen supply to the flame. This method produces slightly more smoke than the wick dipper, but it is still safer than blowing out the candle. When using a snuffer, ensure it does not touch the melted wax.
If you are using a jarred candle, you can put a lid on it to remove the oxygen and extinguish the flame. However, not all lids are suitable for this purpose, as some are purely decorative and may be made of flammable or heat-sensitive materials. If there is a lot of empty space in the container, the flame may continue to burn for a while, creating a vacuum seal that makes the lid hard to remove.
Finally, while it is possible to extinguish a candle with your fingers by pinching the wick, this method is risky and could result in burns.
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Frequently asked questions
This saying refers to the belief in neo-pagan traditions that candles should never be blown out, only snuffed or pinched out.
Blowing out a candle is believed to be disrespectful to the element of Fire. It is also believed that blowing out a candle sends your wish or spell to any entity that wishes to take it.
Blowing out a candle is believed to signal the conclusion of a spell. It is also believed that blowing out a candle sends your intent out into the universe.
Alternative ways to extinguish a candle include snuffing it out, pinching it out, or covering the flame with a clean glass.
Blowing out candles on a birthday cake is a common tradition that many people participate in. However, it is important to note that this practice has been criticized for increasing the amount of bacteria on the icing.
