A votive candle is a common fixture in many homes nowadays, be it in the bathroom, living room, or on the dining room table in place of a taper candle.
Like small pillars, votive candles have the diameter of (roughly) 5cm, and they taper slightly upwards – that is, the top of the candle is slightly wider than the bottom.
A votive candle is long lasting, and can fit into many places that a pillar can’t. But though many of us use votive candles, their original use is all but forgotten except, possibly, among Roman Catholics!
Today, even though we are accustomed to using the votive candle in a more secular setting, some of that original association remains at the back of our minds. That’s why a votive is the candle we are more likely to reach for while meditating, for example. There’s a gentle, reflective quality to this little candle, and bringing it into the home helps you create a sacred environment wherever you happen to be.
Votive candles can create ambiance as well as scent a room, but how you burn them can drastically shorten their life, especially with soy votive candles. Follow these simple steps to prolong the life of the candles.
Many people love candles, but the expense of buying beautiful candles and then just burning them down can seem wasteful. Nice candles look best in the home, but it is also a shame to destroy them, and that's why there are many candles that have never been lit. Enjoy the warm glow of your candles and keep them looking beautiful with these handy tips.
1. Before the first burning, trim the wick to .5cm.
2. Next you have to decide what container to use. A common mistake is to choose a candle holder that is too large. To get the most from your candle, make sure the holder is a snug fit.
3. Light the candle. Allow the candle to burn until the melt pool reaches the edges of the candle holder. If you extinguish the candle before the fullest melt pool is achieved, it is unlikely it will use all the wax.
4. After 4 hours, extinguish candle. When you light the candle the next time, trim the wick to .5cm again.
Your candles will last longer and burn cleaner if you trim the candle wick. It is very easy to do and should be done every time you light the candle.
