Brooke Martin
Japanese candles, also known as wa-rousoku or warosoku, are traditional Japanese candles that hold great cultural significance in Japan. They are made from plant-based waxes, such as bran rice, haze wax, and other plant extracts, and are known for their unique shape, distinctive scent, and large, graceful flame. Japanese candles first came into use in Buddhist ceremonies as early as the 7th century and have been an integral part of traditional Japanese life, used in religious rituals, tea ceremonies, and even in art and meditation practices. Today, Japanese candles are experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to their vegan and cruelty-free nature, with artisans like Kyorosoku and HAZE creating sought-after decorative and handcrafted Japanese candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional name | Wa-rousoku |
| Other names | Warousoku, hana-rousoku, e-rousoku, shu-rousoku |
| Origin | Japan |
| History | Introduced during the Nara period (710-794 AD) |
| Historical materials | Beeswax, pine resin, haze wax, whale blubber, vegetable oils, fats, soy wax, rice bran |
| Modern materials | Plant-based waxes, seeds of the haze tree, bran rice, other plant extracts |
| Colours | Red, White |
| Uses | Buddhist ceremonies, household altars, funerals, memorial services, New Year's celebrations, weddings, tea ceremonies, night gatherings, traditional Japanese theatre |
| Wick | Thick |
| Burning | Stable flame, minimal wax drip, minimal soot |
| Scent | Distinctive |
| Manufacturing | Hand-poured (tegake) |
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What You'll Learn
- Japanese candles, or wa-rousoku are made from plant-based waxes, such as haze wax, and are known for their distinctive scent and large flame
- The history of Japanese candles: introduced during the Nara period (710-794 AD) and made from beeswax, candle-making later shifted to using pine resin
- Use in ceremonies: Japanese candles are used in Buddhist ceremonies, temples, and shrines, as well as tea ceremonies and night gatherings
- Red and white candles: red candles are used for celebratory rituals, while white candles are used for everyday offerings and funerals
- Japanese candle-making process: the wick is covered with wax by hand, then dipped or rotated and left to dry. This traditional method is called tegake, meaning hand-poured
Japanese candles, or wa-rousoku are made from plant-based waxes, such as haze wax, and are known for their distinctive scent and large flame
Japanese candles, or wa-rousoku, have been an integral part of traditional Japanese life. They are especially important in Buddhist ceremonies and are used as offerings on significant days, such as Obon and Higan, memorial services, and monthly anniversary rites. They are also used in tea ceremonies, night gatherings called "yobanashi", and traditional Japanese theatre.
Wa-rousoku are made from plant-based waxes, such as haze wax, and are known for their distinctive scent and large flame. Haze wax is extracted from the fruits of the Japanese sumac tree, a deciduous tree in the sumac family. The use of haze seeds to produce Japanese candles is said to have begun in the Muromachi period (1336-1573 AD). The boiling point of haze wax is only 40 to 50 degrees Celsius, so the process of candle-making must be done by hand.
The traditional method of making Japanese candles is called "tegake", which means "hand-poured". The first step is to skewer the wick, which is made of Japanese paper wrapped in igusa pith and cotton. The wick is then covered with wax by hand, and left to dry. When the wax is completely dry, a number of candles are placed on a board and rotated by hand, with wax poured onto each candle numerous times. The final process is to melt the wax around the tip to expose the wick.
The thick wick of Japanese candles results in a large flame and produces little soot. It also prevents wax drips, as the melted wax is sucked up by the wick. The distinctive shape and scent of Japanese candles, as well as their vegan and cruelty-free nature, have contributed to their popularity.
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The history of Japanese candles: introduced during the Nara period (710-794 AD) and made from beeswax, candle-making later shifted to using pine resin
The history of Japanese candles dates back to the Nara period, between 710 and 794 AD. During this time, Buddhism was introduced to Japan, and along with it, a type of candle known as "mitsu-rousoku," made from beeswax, was brought over from China. Beeswax was considered extremely rare and valuable, so only the nobility could afford to use these candles.
In the Heian period (794-1185 AD), candle-makers began using pine resin instead of beeswax. This marked a shift in candle-making, as the use of pine resin made the candles more accessible and affordable. Domestic production of candles began around the year 1000 AD, and the art of candle-making flourished.
Over time, Japanese candles, known as "wa-rousoku," became an integral part of traditional Japanese life. They were used in religious rituals and ceremonies, especially in Buddhism. Even today, Japanese candles are lit in temples and shrines across the country and are considered essential for Buddhist ceremonies and offerings.
The use of Japanese candles peaked during the late Edo period (1745-1786 AD) and continued into the Meiji period (1868-1912 AD). During this time, wa-rousoku were considered luxury items, used by wealthy merchants and samurai families, while the common people typically relied on rapeseed oil lamps for light.
Today, Japanese candles have evolved to be made from plant-based waxes, primarily derived from the seeds of the "haze" tree, a type of deciduous tree in the sumac family. The use of haze seeds in candle-making is said to have originated in the Muromachi period (1336-1573 AD). Japanese candles are known for their unique qualities, such as a larger flame and a slow, flickering burn that captures the beauty and fragility of life.
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Use in ceremonies: Japanese candles are used in Buddhist ceremonies, temples, and shrines, as well as tea ceremonies and night gatherings
Japanese candles, or "wa-rousoku" or "warosoku", have been an integral part of traditional Japanese life and hold great cultural significance in the country. They are especially important during Buddhist ceremonies and are used in temples and shrines across Japan.
The use of Japanese candles in Buddhist ceremonies dates back to as early as the 7th century in the ancient Japanese capital of Nara, where they served as a tool for guiding and communicating with spirits and gods. Today, they continue to be used in Buddhist rituals and ceremonies, such as Obon, Higan, memorial services, and monthly anniversary rites.
In temples and shrines, Japanese candles are lit as a beacon of communication between the physical world and the realm of spirits, lining many ritual rooms to 'spiritually prime' the space. They are also used in prayer at in-house shrines and gravesites, believed to help individuals communicate with or draw closer to the spirits.
Japanese candles are also used in tea ceremonies, where they serve both lighting and timekeeping purposes, and in night gatherings called "yobanashi". Additionally, they are employed in traditional Japanese theatre forms, including Noh, Kyogen, and Kabuki.
The candles are made from plant-based waxes, primarily derived from the seeds of the haze tree, a deciduous tree in the sumac family. The use of haze seeds in candle production is said to have originated in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). Japanese candles are known for their distinctive scent and large, graceful flame, achieved through a thicker wick. They come in two colours: red and white, with red candles used for celebratory rituals and white candles for everyday offerings and funerals.
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Red and white candles: red candles are used for celebratory rituals, while white candles are used for everyday offerings and funerals
Japanese candles, or 'wa-rousoku', are traditional candles that have been crafted in Japan for centuries and are an integral part of Japanese culture and rituals. They are made from natural materials such as wax extracted from tree nuts, and have a unique, distinct appearance with their thin, delicate shape and lack of a central wick. The craft of making these candles is an ancient one, and the candles themselves are often used in religious ceremonies and to mark important occasions. The colours of these candles hold symbolic meaning and are used accordingly. Red and white candles, for example, have distinct purposes and are used in specific rituals and ceremonies.
Red candles are often used for celebratory rituals and happy occasions. The colour red in Japanese culture is associated with happiness and positivity. These candles are lit during festivals, weddings, and other joyous events. The warm, vibrant glow of the red candles is believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. They are also used to honour and celebrate the lives of ancestors during annual memorial services. The bright, festive colour adds a sense of happiness and celebration to these occasions.
White candles, on the other hand, are used for everyday offerings and in funeral rituals. White is a colour that represents purity and sincerity in Japanese culture. These candles are often lit during daily prayers and offerings at home altars or shrines. They are also used extensively in funeral ceremonies, symbolizing the pure and peaceful passing of a loved one. The soft, calm light of the white candles is thought to bring comfort and peace to the deceased and their grieving family members.
The use of colour in Japanese culture is steeped in symbolism and meaning, and the colours of these candles are carefully chosen to reflect the purpose and sentiment of the occasion. The craft of making these traditional candles is an art form that is being preserved and passed down through generations, ensuring that these meaningful rituals continue to be a part of Japanese cultural heritage. The distinct use of red and white candles in Japanese culture showcases the thoughtful and symbolic nature of their traditions and ceremonies.
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Japanese candle-making process: the wick is covered with wax by hand, then dipped or rotated and left to dry. This traditional method is called tegake, meaning hand-poured
Japanese candles, or "wa-rousoku", are an integral part of traditional Japanese life and have been used in Buddhist ceremonies and as offerings on significant days. The candles are made using plant-based waxes, primarily from the seeds of the haze tree, a deciduous tree in the sumac family.
The candle-making process is a long and fascinating one. The wick is made from "'igusa", the same material used in tatami mats, and is wrapped in Japanese paper and cotton. This is then skewered and covered with wax by hand, a process known as "tegake", meaning "hand-poured". The wax is then left to dry, and the candle is rotated by hand to ensure an even coating. This process is repeated several times, with the number of coatings depending on the desired thickness and size of the candle. The final step is to melt the wax around the tip to expose the wick.
The candles have a more stable flame due to their thick wick, which also reduces soot production and wax dripping. Japanese candles are also time-consuming and expensive to make, and craftsmen must scoop hot molten wax with their bare hands, making it a difficult and intricate process. The unique "tegake" method is said to take ten years to master.
Today, there are only about 10 places in Japan that still make Japanese candles, and only two companies produce haze wax. The tradition of making these candles is slowly dying out, but initiatives to restore haze forests and establish new production areas are aiming to preserve this craft.
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Frequently asked questions
Japanese candles, or "wa-rousoku" or "warosoku", are traditional Japanese candles with a distinctive shape and a large flame. They are made from plant-based waxes, such as bran rice, haze wax (extracted from the fruits of the Japanese sumac tree or wax tree), and other plant extracts.
Japanese candles are made from plant-based waxes, such as bran rice, haze wax (extracted from the fruits of the Japanese sumac tree or wax tree), and other plant extracts. They can also be made from various vegetable oils and fats, such as soy wax, canola flower oil, and fruit of the urushi tree.
The wick of a Japanese candle, made of Japanese paper wrapped in igusa pith and cotton, is covered with wax by hand. The wax is then left to dry, and the process is repeated numerous times until the candle takes shape. Finally, the wax around the tip is melted to expose the wick.
Japanese candles are used in Buddhist ceremonies and rituals, as well as in temples and shrines across Japan. They are also used in tea ceremonies, night gatherings called "yobanashi", and traditional Japanese theatre, including Noh, Kyogen, and Kabuki. White candles are used for everyday offerings and during funerals, while red candles are used for celebratory rituals and ceremonies.
