Ben Carter
Novena candles, also known as vigil or devotional candles, are used in religious and magical rituals. They are commonly associated with Roman Catholic worship, particularly the Christian novena, which involves nine days of prayer to God or a specific saint. Novena candles are often made of glass and dyed paraffin, but can also be made from other materials such as beeswax, soy, or vegetable oil. The colour of the candle is significant, with different colours representing various intentions and symbolic meanings. The candles are typically left to burn uninterrupted for nine days, reinforcing the prayer or intention they represent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning Time | 9 days |
| Wax | Vegetable oil |
| Glass | Dyed paraffin |
| Colors | White, red, pink, yellow, orange, green, blue, violet, black, grey |
| Use | Prayer, seeking comfort or strength, meditation, remembrance of a deceased loved one |
| Religious Association | Christianity, Catholicism, Paganism |
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What You'll Learn
Novena candles are made of vegetable oil
The name "novena" comes from the Latin "novem", meaning nine, and the candles are often referred to as 9-day burners. The candles are lit for nine days and nights, and due to the vegetable oil wax, there is always a layer of liquid oil under the wick, allowing the flame to burn continuously without interruption.
Novena candles are typically made of glass and are brightly coloured, sometimes with silk-screened images, foil, or Saran wrap. The colour of the candle is significant and is chosen according to the intention of the novena. For example, white symbolises purity and peace, red symbolises passion and energy, and blue symbolises serenity.
Novena candles are commonly used in Latin America and by Pagans of Italian, Mexican, Central, and South American Catholic backgrounds. They are often displayed in Botanicas or Latin American grocery stores.
The candles are used for religious and magical purposes, and many believe that the physical manipulation of the candle is part of the service and caretaking of the candles.
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They are often encased in glass
Novena candles are encased in glass for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the use of glass protects the candle flame from being extinguished by wind or rain, ensuring that the candle can burn uninterrupted for the full duration of the novena ritual. This is especially important as novena candles are typically used for nine-day prayer rituals, during which the candle is meant to burn continuously.
The glass casing also serves an aesthetic purpose, as it allows for the addition of decorative elements such as silk-screened images, foil, or Saran wrap. These embellishments not only enhance the visual appeal of the candle but can also hold symbolic significance for the user. Additionally, the glass casing can be dyed in various colours, each associated with specific intentions and energies in spiritual traditions. For example, red symbolises energy and passion, while blue represents peace and serenity.
The use of glass in novena candles also has practical considerations. Glass is a durable and heat-resistant material that can contain the melted wax of the candle, preventing spills or messes. It also provides a level of protection for the user, reducing the risk of burns or fire hazards associated with an open flame. Furthermore, glass is recyclable and reusable, making it an environmentally friendly option compared to other materials.
While glass novena candles are prevalent, it is worth noting that other materials are also used. Some individuals prefer beeswax candles for their natural symbolism and pleasant aroma, while others opt for unscented or environmentally-friendly alternatives like soy wax. Ultimately, the choice of material depends on personal beliefs, sensitivity to scents, and ethical preferences.
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They are used in religious and magical rituals
Novena candles, also called vigil candles, vigil lights, or devotional candles, are used in religious and magical rituals. They are often associated with the Christian novena, a series of nine days of prayer to God or in memory of a saint. Novena candles reinforce these prayers and are also burned to seek comfort, strength, or meditation during challenging times. They are commonly used in Roman Catholic worship, but their long burn times have led to their adoption in other contexts.
The colour of the candle is significant and can be chosen according to the intention of the ritual. For example, white symbolises purity, peace, and divine light, while red represents passion and energy. Other colours like blue, green, purple, black, orange, pink, and yellow are also used for their respective symbolic meanings.
In magical rituals, the preparation of devotional candles involves several steps: writing a petition, fixing the candle, setting it, reading it, and ritually disposing of it. The physical manipulation of the candle is believed to be part of the service and caretaking of the candles. Some spells call for the burial of candle remains, but from an ecological perspective, recycling or reusing glass candle casings is more environmentally friendly.
Novena candles are also used in altar rituals, either as part of the altar setup or as "magical backups" to the main ritual work. They are lit first and allowed to burn uninterrupted for nine days, with prayers offered each day.
In addition to colour, the size and shape of novena candles can also hold symbolic meaning. Larger candles, for example, can represent extended prayer and devotion. Cylindrical shapes are most common, but some prefer more elaborate shapes like hearts, crosses, or other religious symbols. Ultimately, the choice of candle for a novena is a personal process guided by individual convictions, preferences, and intentions.
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They are associated with 9-day prayers
Novena candles are associated with 9-day prayers. The word 'novena' is derived from the Latin 'novem', meaning nine. The candles are used in Catholic religious devotions, where people pray to God for nine days, often in preparation for a feast day, such as Christmas, or in memory of a saint. Novena candles are also burned to seek comfort, strength, or a moment of meditation during difficult times, such as death, illness, or loss.
The candles are often placed in a safe location, away from children and pets, and can be used outdoors, although they are more commonly used indoors. It is recommended to place a crown on the candle when outdoors to protect it from the elements. Novena candles are designed to burn uninterrupted for nine days and nights, with a small flame.
The colour of the candle is significant and can be chosen according to the intention of the prayer. For example, white is the most classic and most used colour, symbolising purity, peace, and divine light. Red candles are recommended for defence against evil, while pink candles are used for prayers concerning love, friendship, and tenderness. Yellow candles attract prosperity and success, and orange candles stimulate creativity and imagination.
Novena candles can also be personalised with images or text, and some candles are dedicated to specific saints, such as Saint Michael for protection or Saint Rita for desperate causes. The choice of candle is a personal process, guided by one's beliefs, sensitivities, and preferences, with each colour, size, material, and shape carrying specific meanings.
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The colour of the candle is significant
The white novena candle is the most classic and most used. White is the colour of the divine and the energy of the universe. It is used for purification and protection and amplifies spiritual acts and the power of prayers.
Red candles are recommended for defence against the forces of evil. Red is a stimulant that strengthens mental strength, energy, will, and power. Pink candles are used for prayers and requests concerning love, friendship, and tenderness. Yellow novena candles attract prosperity, success, fame, and popularity by developing self-confidence, charm, and luck.
Orange candles are recommended for prayers requesting inspiration and creativity. They bring a good mood, attract attention, and awaken the senses. Green candles are mostly advised for requests that concern money, success in business, and money coming in. Blue novena candles are often recommended for administrative matters, such as unblocking a lawsuit or solving problems.
Purple novena candles are recommended for meditation, clairvoyance, concentration, and relaxation. They symbolise power and wisdom and can help break unbearable situations and neutralise lies. Black candles are effective protection candles. They repel misfortunes, bad luck, and evil spirits, and neutralise evil. Grey novena candles are a synthesis between black and white.
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Frequently asked questions
Novena candles are made of vegetable oil. They are encased in glass, plastic, or placed in a lantern.
Novena candles symbolise light and connection with the divine.
Novena candles burn for nine days and nights.
Novena candles come in a variety of colours, each with its own meaning and significance. Common colours include white, red, pink, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, black, and grey.
