Tyler Brooks
Votive candles have been used for centuries in religious ceremonies and rituals. In Christianity, they are commonplace in churches and home altars, symbolizing prayers offered for oneself or others. In Hinduism and Buddhism, similar offerings exist, such as diyas and butter lamps. Beyond religious use, votive candles also serve decorative purposes and can be used to create a cozy ambiance in your home. They come in various sizes, colours, and scents, allowing for customization to fit your needs. Whether it's for spiritual reasons or simply to enhance the atmosphere, votive candles offer a versatile and long-lasting option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Religious use | Votive candles are used in Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Eastern Orthodox Church. They are often lit as a prayer for oneself or others. |
| Religious controversy | The secular appropriation of votive candles, a religious symbol, has caused controversy. For example, celebrities and political figures have been fashioned to look like saints on votive candles. |
| Health concerns | Burning paraffin candles at home can be harmful due to the emission of chemicals like alkans, alkenes, and tolenes. |
| Environmental impact | Some votive candles are made with palm oil, threatening the habitats of orangutans. |
| Wick type | Cotton wicks are the main wick type. |
| Wax type | Votive candles are made with different types of wax, including beeswax, paraffin wax, and soy wax. |
| Scent | Votive candles can be scented or unscented. |
| Burn time | Votive candles have a longer burn time compared to tea light candles. |
| Size | Votive candles come in varying heights, typically on the smaller side, with a diameter of about 1.5-1.75 inches. |
| Safety | Flameless votive candles are a safer option for households with pets or children. |
| Aesthetics | Votive candles can be used as decor or centerpieces, creating an engaging visual. |
| DIY | Making votive candles is a beginner-friendly project. |
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What You'll Learn
Votive candles are used for religious purposes
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, candles are typically lit before icons of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos, and they are usually long and thin, placed in round containers or sand-filled containers. Orthodox churches often have a separate area for candles lit for the departed, while Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic churches do not make this distinction. In the Roman Catholic Church, candles may be placed before statues of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or other saints, and they are sometimes lit during the liturgy of Good Friday.
In the Reformed tradition, which includes Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist denominations, votive candles are lit during Totensonntag, a holy day commemorating the departed. During the Middle Ages, the burning of lamps or candles before relics, shrines, statues, and other devotional objects was a common form of piety.
In Judaism, a perpetual light was kept burning in the Temple and synagogues to symbolize the presence of God, as mentioned in Exodus 27:20-21 and Leviticus 24:2-4. The Talmud also prescribed a lit lamp at the Ark, where the Torah and Sacred Scripture were kept, to show reverence to the Word of God. This tradition influenced the practice of having a lit candle near the Tabernacle in Christian liturgy.
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They can be used as home decor
Votive candles can be used as home decor in a variety of ways to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Centrepieces
Votive candles make excellent centrepieces for dining tables or sideboards. Play around with different heights and sizes of candles to create a visually engaging display. You can also line them down the centre of your dining table to add height and interest to your tablescape. Just be sure to use unscented candles so as not to interfere with the delicious smells of your meal!
Seasonal Decor
Add a soft glow to your seasonal decor with flameless votive candles. These are a safer option, especially if you have pets or young children, as you don't need to worry about remembering to blow them out. Flameless candles with an electric on/off feature can also protect nearby decorations, such as dry garlands or fabric figurines. For added safety, choose a votive with a timer.
Outdoor Spaces
Make the most of your outdoor areas all year round with votive candles made from citronella. These candles are perfect for keeping bugs at bay while enjoying an evening on the patio, by the pool, or in the yard. Place them on candle stands or dot them around entertainment areas for a magical atmosphere.
Bookshelves and Fireplaces
Large votive candles can be used to fill spaces in your home that may otherwise feel sparse, such as bookshelves or fireplaces. Their warm glow and inviting ambiance can transform these areas into cosy nooks perfect for relaxation or intimate gatherings.
Home Altars
In Christianity, votive candles are commonly used in home altars, symbolising prayers offered for oneself or others. They can be placed before statues or icons of saints, Jesus, or the Blessed Virgin Mary, adding a sacred and devotional element to your home decor.
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They are available in different wax types
Votive candles are available in different wax types, each with its own unique properties and benefits. Here are some of the most common wax types used for votive candles:
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a popular choice for votive candles. It is known for its long burn time, emitting negative ions that can help create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. However, it is important to note that paraffin wax has been the subject of health concerns. Studies have shown that burning paraffin candles can release chemicals like alkans, alkenes, and toluene, which may be harmful to humans.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax that offers a brighter and warmer glow compared to paraffin wax. It burns hotter, resulting in less soot accumulation. Beeswax is also known for its beautiful warm glow, making it an excellent choice for creating a cosy and inviting ambiance.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is a vegetable-based wax that is environmentally friendly and safe to use. It is known for its lower melting point compared to other wax types, and it does not produce any harmful byproducts during burning. Soy wax is a popular choice for those who prefer natural and sustainable products.
Citronella Wax
Citronella wax is an excellent choice for outdoor votive candles. It is effective at keeping bugs and insects at bay, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings and activities. Citronella candles can help create a pleasant and pest-free environment for your outdoor spaces.
The choice of wax type for votive candles depends on your specific needs and preferences. Each wax type offers unique advantages, whether it's the long burn time of paraffin wax, the bright glow of beeswax, the sustainability of soy wax, or the bug-repelling properties of citronella wax.
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They can be made at home
Votive candles are commonly used in religious services and rituals. They are also used in secular settings, such as for decoration or to create a cosy atmosphere. While votive candles are readily available in the market, they can also be made at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own votive candles:
Choose the Right Wax
Votive candles can be made from different types of wax, including beeswax, paraffin wax, and soy wax. Beeswax burns hotter than paraffin wax, resulting in less soot and a brighter, warmer glow. Citronella candles are ideal for outdoor use as they help keep bugs away. Soy wax, being vegetable-based, does not produce any harmful byproducts. Paraffin wax emits negative ions, clearing the air and offering a long burn time.
Prepare the Wick
The main wick type used in votive candles is made of cotton. Cotton wicks are made of tightly wound fibres that uncurl as they burn, creating an even heat ratio and a smooth melt pool. This prevents the candle from tunnelling. You can use a pre-tabbed wick, such as the LX-14, and trim it to about 1/4" (6 mm) in length.
Melt and Pour the Wax
Melt your chosen wax and pour it into a mould or container. You can use a glass cup or a paper cup labelled with the wax type, fragrance, and date. Allow the wax to solidify, then reheat it to a higher temperature (approximately 190ºF or 87.8°C) for the second pour. This higher temperature will help the wax adhere better to the cooled votive. Carefully pour the wax to fill in any remaining space and sinkholes, up to the lip of the mould. Allow the votives to cool completely before removing them from the moulds.
Finishing Touches
Once your votive candles are ready, place them in approved votive holders or containers. Remember to always follow candle-burning safety rules. You can decorate your votive candles with warning or informative labels, and showcase your creations with the online community using relevant hashtags.
Making votive candles at home allows you to choose the type of wax, add your preferred fragrances, and customise the size and shape of your candles. It can be a fun and rewarding project for beginners and experienced candlemakers alike.
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They are different from tea light candles
Votive candles are often associated with religious rituals and symbolism. In Christianity, for instance, votive candles are commonplace in churches and home altars, representing "prayers the worshipper is offering for himself or herself, or for other people". They are also used in Hinduism and Buddhism, where similar offerings include diyas and butter lamps.
Votive candles are distinct from tea light candles in several ways. Firstly, votive candles are larger and taller, resulting in a longer burn time compared to tea light candles, which have minimal burn times. Votive candles typically burn for around 15 hours, making them ideal for weddings, meetings, receptions, and romantic dinners. Tea light candles, on the other hand, are better suited for short-term use such as religious services, yoga classes, or decorative accessories, with a burn time of less than four hours.
Secondly, votive candles are often sold independently and require a separate votive container for safe burning. Votive candle holders are typically made of glass. In contrast, tea light candles come in self-contained metal or plastic cups that can be discarded along with the candle when it has burned out.
Thirdly, the cost differs between the two types of candles. Votive candles are more expensive per candle, but their longer burn time may offset the higher cost in the long run. Tea light candles are a more economical option when a large number of candles is needed for a short duration.
Lastly, the versatility of votive candles makes them a popular choice for various settings. Their small size, varying shapes, colours, and scents allow for easy customisation to match any décor or ambiance. Whether it's a spontaneous romantic dinner or a tranquil evening at home, votive candles can instantly change the mood with their warm and alluring glow.
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Frequently asked questions
Votive candles are a type of candle that is often used in religious ceremonies and traditions. They are usually small, short candles that can stand on their own. They are most commonly white and unscented.
Tea lights are shorter than votive candles and come in self-contained cups. Votive candles, on the other hand, are sold independently and need a special votive container to burn safely. Votive candles also have a longer burn time than tea lights.
Votive candles are made from different types of wax, including beeswax, paraffin wax, and soy wax. It's important to choose a votive candle made from natural ingredients, as some candles made with paraffin wax can emit harmful chemicals.
Votive candles are often used in religious ceremonies as a form of prayer or to honour a saint. They can also be used as decoration or to create a cosy atmosphere in your home. When using a votive candle, ensure you have the correct votive container and always follow candle burning safety rules.
You can find votive candles at many homeware and candle stores, both online and offline. Some popular retailers include GoodLight Candles and Wayfair.
