There’s the lavender-scented candle that gives you a sense of calm. There’s the tapered candle used for lighting in the absence of electricity. Two different purposes for one item. Candles are useful objects and have been since times past. Candles are fun to use but, a lot does go into the manufacturing process.
This article contains information on candles, their uses, types and important facts about them.
CANDLES: WHAT THEY ARE AND HOW THEY MAY BE USED
Candles are items made of wax and made by chandlers. They may or may not have a wick, depending on what they’re being used for.
Candles may also be made of tallow. Tallow is plant or animal fat with certain specifications. It is made up of triglycerides and may also be used in soapmaking. Candles may be used for::
- Ambience: Candlelight provides an amazing atmosphere especially when the candles are strategically placed. Candles bring around a softness that cannot be replicated by any other form of lighting. Candles are also used during therapy to create a welcoming environment for the patient. Some people light candles while reading because it helps them assimilate better.
- Health: Burning candles can be a form of self-care. Some scents and even lighting help to soothe the mind. They can also alleviate fear and anxiety. Candles can also be used in aromatherapy. Scented candles, to be precise. These help to dispense aromas in a room. Although some candles(paraffin wax candles) are actually harmful to your health, there are some designed with your health’s wellbeing in mind.
- Celebration: Candles can also be used during celebrations of all sorts. This includes candlelit dinners and wish candles on birthday cakes. You can even gift candles to people during their celebrations or yours. Everyone loves nice scents, right?
- Decor: Candles are a classy way of adding uniqueness to your house or whatever you’re decorating. With candles, you can give your home a signature scent. Lighting candles is literally the quickest way to add some spice to your home. Adding candles anywhere brings the magical atmosphere that comes with them. As the candle’s flame flickers, you’re swept into a beautiful world of aromas and candlelight.
- Fragrance: Oh, the gift that is scented candles! Whoever invented this should get multiple awards because they are simply amazing. From earthy to clean, woodsy, feminine, food, Christmasey and more, there is an endless list of scents that candles can come in. What’s more, there are scented candles that burn clean so, you don’t even have to worry about the soot. Just enjoy your fragrance and lighting.
- Meditation: The lighting from candles also helps with meditation. Focusing on the flame of the candle is a technique used in some form of meditation and even prayer.
- Romance: A single candle can transform a dinner of foods and cutlery into a romantic dinner. Candlelit dinners and having lit candles in your room can help create special moments.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CANDLES
Although container candles are very popular at the moment, there are other types of candles. The types of candles based on the forms they come in, include:
- Votive Candles: Votives are small candles designed to sit in small containers. They are about 2.5cm high and the containers are usually made of glass. Since votive candles do not have to stand on their own, literally any type of wax can be used in the making. This includes paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, palm wax and even wax blends.
- Taper Candles: These are long and narrow. These candles are designed to sit in candlesticks. Paraffin and beeswax are suitable for making them.
- Tealight Candles: These are smaller than the votives. Tealight candles are about 0.75cm in height and 1.5cm in diameter. They are very small and are created to sit in small, cylindrical containers. The containers may be made of metal or clear plastic.
- Tarts: Wax tarts are wickless candles. When these melt, they give off the same aromas you’d get with a similarly scented candle. Tarts are melted in a tart burner. Paraffin and soy wax can be used to make them.
- Pillar Candles: These are freestanding candles. You can use paraffin, beeswax, palm wax or wax blends to make these.
- Container Candles: Unlike the pillar candles, these cannot stand on their own. They are designed to sit inside a container. The container of choice may be a glass jar, metal tin or any other suitable container. Since they do not have to stand on their own, any type of wax works for them.
3 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CANDLES
- The Right Way To Burn A Candle: You want to start this process by trimming the wick. For every burn, you have to trim the candle wick until it’s about 0.25 inches long. After that, light the candle and let the wax melt all the way across the surface. This prevents formation of craters in the middle of the candle. Burn your candle for only four hours to avoid making the wick unstable and contributing to spot formation. Keep the flame away from draft or moving air so it isn’t disturbed. Avoid extinguishing the candle’s flame by blowing it out. Instead, dip the wick in the melted wax on the candle’s surface using a tweezer or any suitable object. When the flame is out, prop the wick up so you can light it again next time.
- What Are Candles Made Of? Most candles are made of wax. There are different waxes that can be used. They include: paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax, palm wax, et cetera. Some are plant-based, some are animal-based and some are gotten from toxic sources. When we say “toxic”, we mean paraffin wax which is gotten from petroleum.
- The Best Candle To Burn: Although beeswax is a very expensive option, it makes the best candles. With all-natural beeswax candles, you’re getting clean burns, a honey scent and a toxin-free atmosphere. .
