Chloe Adams
Beeswax candles are an integral part of Moravian Christmas celebrations, with their light symbolizing the light Jesus brought into the world. Moravian beeswax candles are made from natural beeswax and tallow, and crafted using handmade tin molds. The tradition of making these candles dates back to the 18th century, and they continue to be cherished and crafted by families today, with companies like Salem Candle Works carrying on the legacy of these traditional candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Beeswax |
| Other Ingredients | Tallow |
| Molds | Tin |
| Symbolism | Purity of Christ, the light of the world |
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What You'll Learn
Moravian beeswax candles are made of pure beeswax
The Moravian Church in America has a long tradition of using beeswax candles in its Christmas Eve services. The small, lighted candles distributed to Moravians in America were originally made from beeswax, and this tradition continues today. Every fall, members of the Edgeboro Moravian Church make thousands of beeswax candles by hand, using tin moulds.
The beeswax candle is a powerful symbol of the light Jesus brought to the world, and it has become an integral part of Moravian Christmas celebrations. The candlelit service includes the singing of hymns such as "Morning Star, O Cheering Sight". The tradition of giving candles to children during the service has expanded over time, and now the whole congregation may receive them, sharing in the childlike joy of the Saviour's birth.
Salem Candle Works, a family-owned business established in 1983, is one notable maker of Moravian beeswax candles. The company's founder, Bill Seippel, started making beeswax candles for his local Calvary Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, continuing a long family tradition. Salem Candle Works now sells its handcrafted beeswax candles and tinware online and at fairs across North Carolina.
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They are handcrafted in tins
Moravian beeswax candles are handcrafted in tins and have been a long-standing tradition in the Moravian Church. The candles are made from beeswax, which is considered the purest form of animal or vegetable wax, symbolising the purity of Christ.
The tradition of making these candles dates back centuries and has been passed down through generations. The process of crafting these candles involves pouring melted beeswax into handmade tin moulds. Each candle is then carefully removed from the mould and may be further shaped by a master tinsmith.
Salem Candle Works, a family-owned business established in 1983, is one of the renowned makers of these candles. The company was founded by Bill Seippel, who, along with his late wife Anne and their five children, began making beeswax candles for their local church, Calvary Moravian in Winston-Salem. The family's passion for preserving the Moravian tradition has resulted in their exquisite candles, which are now shared worldwide.
The art of crafting Moravian beeswax candles has also been passed down through generations within the Salem Candle Works family. Bill has worked closely with his cousin, Peter Blum III, a skilled tinsmith who creates the candle moulds. Peter's grandfather, Peter Blum Sr., was also a master tinsmith who crafted candle moulds for Moravian churches in Piedmont, North Carolina.
The process of handcrafting these candles in tins ensures the preservation of a cherished tradition. It allows for the creation of unique, individually poured candles that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also hold deep symbolic value for the Moravian community.
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The candles are a Christmas tradition
The Moravian beeswax candle is a Christmas tradition that holds great significance in the Moravian Church. The candle, made from pure beeswax, is symbolic of the purity of Christ and his sacrifice for humanity. The burning candle represents Jesus as the Light of the World, illuminating the path and bringing light to the world.
The tradition of the Moravian beeswax candle dates back centuries and is an integral part of Christmas Eve services. During these special vigils, the congregation holds lighted beeswax candles, creating a solemn and meaningful atmosphere. The distribution of candles to both children and adults has become a cherished custom, uniting all in the joy of the Saviour's birth.
In the past, children would try to keep their candles burning as they walked back home from the church. The flickering flame symbolised hope and perseverance, guiding them through the dark night. Once home, the candle's light would be used to illuminate the Christmas tree, extending the warmth and cheer of the season.
The art of crafting Moravian beeswax candles is a meticulous process, often passed down through generations. Families like the Seippels, founders of Salem Candle Works, have dedicated themselves to preserving this time-honoured tradition. Their candles, crafted with care and steeped in history, are a testament to the enduring appeal of Moravian beeswax candles.
More than just a source of light, the Moravian beeswax candle embodies the spirit of Christmas. It serves as a reminder of faith, unity, and the enduring power of tradition. As the candles continue to glow each Christmas, they illuminate not only physical spaces but also the hearts and minds of those who cherish this timeless custom.
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They are a powerful symbol of Jesus
Moravian beeswax candles are a powerful symbol of Jesus and his light and bring to life his message of "Let your light shine". The use of beeswax, considered the purest of all animal or vegetable waxes, symbolises the purity of Christ. The burning candle itself symbolises the sacrifice of Christ, the sinless son of God, for sinful humanity.
The Moravian Christmas Eve service is filled with symbolism. The dimming of the lights and the lighting of the beeswax candles represent the light that Jesus brought to the world. The candlelight also represents the light of the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the three wise men to Jesus. The candlelight is also a reminder of the warmth and joy that Jesus brought to the world through his birth.
The Moravian beeswax candle is also a symbol of hope and joy. The candle-making process itself is a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations, with families coming together to create these beautiful lights that represent their faith. The candles are often made by children, who then carry them home, still burning, to light the candles on their Christmas tree. This symbolises the passing down of faith and the joy of the Saviour's birth, allowing adults to become children again, if only for a moment.
The Moravian beeswax candle is also a symbol of community. The tradition of candle-making and the Christmas Eve service bring people together, creating a sense of unity and fellowship. The candlelight service is an opportunity for the congregation to come together in celebration and reflection, connecting with one another and their faith.
The Moravian beeswax candle, with its warm, natural light, is a beautiful and powerful reminder of Jesus and his teachings. It is a symbol that brings people together, inspiring hope, joy, and a sense of community.
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They are made by the Moravian Church
Beeswax candles are a long-standing tradition of the Moravian Church. The Moravian Church considers beeswax to be the purest of all animal or vegetable waxes, symbolising the purity of Christ. The burning candle itself represents the sacrifice of Christ, with its light symbolising Jesus as the Light of the World.
The Moravian Church has a long history of using beeswax candles in its Christmas Eve services, with the candle becoming a powerful symbol of the light Jesus brought to the world. The tradition began in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1756, when children were given burning candles with red ribbons wrapped around their bases. The following year, a similar service was held in Herrnhut, and the tradition quickly spread to other Moravian centres.
Over time, the tradition evolved, and today, in many Moravian churches, the entire congregation receives candles during Christmas Eve vigils. The Moravian Church in Edgeboro, for example, makes thousands of beeswax candles every fall. The Men of Home Moravian Church in Winston-Salem also continue this tradition, selling handcrafted beeswax candles made in reproduction Moravian tin moulds.
The art of crafting these candles has been passed down through the generations, with families like the Seippels and the Blums dedicating themselves to preserving the time-honoured Moravian tradition. Bill Seippel, the founder of Salem Candle Works, has been making beeswax candles for his church since 1983, passing down his skills to younger generations through candle-making workshops at the Laurel Ridge Moravian Conference Ground's Junior Camps.
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Frequently asked questions
Moravian beeswax candles are made of beeswax, which is considered the purest of all animal or vegetable waxes.
Moravian beeswax candles are a central part of Moravian Christmas celebrations. The light of the candle is meant to represent the light that Jesus brought to the world.
Moravian beeswax candles have been around for centuries, with the first record of a candle service in Bethlehem, PA in 1756.
Moravian beeswax candles are often made by members of Moravian churches. For example, members of Edgeboro Moravian Church make thousands of beeswax candles every fall.
You can buy Moravian beeswax candles from Salem Candle Works, a family-owned company that has been crafting these candles since 1983.
