A candle in the window
The soft glow of candlelight is a traditional and treasured part of our lives. Candles have been dated as far back as 2500 B.C. and have served a dual function of practical lighting and symbolic lighting in many religious and ceremonial observances. At baptisms, weddings and during the Christmas celebration, candles serve as symbols of divine guidance, of vows made and kept, of hope for the future, memories of the past, and of welcome and warmth.
Perhaps my love of a lit candle is genetic, as my great-grandma Foster started putting a lit lamp or candle in her north window every night in winter days to aid those returning from the bush with their load of wood. The candle communicated warmth and welcome, as well as serving a functional purpose.
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I have started a new tradition at my home, by lighting “memory candles” at Christmas time. I was inspired by the Christmas Eve service at our church.
For the ceremony you can approach the altar and light a candle in memory of someone who has passed on, or cannot be with you at Christmas. The church lights are dimmed, and the room is filled with softly flickering light, and we all take a few moments to reflect on the special people who are brought nearer to us through the service.
I thought this ceremony was so warming that I could do the same thing in my home. By the next Christmas season, I had purchased a beautiful set of 12 candleholders and some tall (non-drip) white candles.
I placed the candles on an old cutting board, covered with gold foil, and spread some colored glitter and greens. Throughout the holidays when the candles were lit, people who I may not have taken the time to think about were remembered.
Make your own
Perhaps you would like to try making your own candles. Here are the basics: Wax, wicks, scent and color.
Wax: There are three options when choosing wax. Beeswax purchased in sheets at craft stores is expensive, but burns for a long time. Paraffin is cheaper, and some people add stearic acid to make it harder and longer-lasting. And then there is the recycling option: remelt old candles.
Wicks: Craft shops sell wick, usually made of cotton fibre. You can make your own using household cotton cord.
Directions: Mix together two tablespoons (30 mL) of borax powder, one tablespoon (15 mL) salt and one cup (250 mL) water, then stir well to dissolve. Soak medium-weight cotton cord in this solution overnight. Remove, allow the wick to air dry. Braid for larger candles.
Always check the directions to be sure you have the proper length of wick. If the wick is too small, the candle will be hard to light, and the wick could sink.
Scent: Use oil-based scents only. You can soak the wick in the scented oil before making the candle, or add a drop or two at the base of the wick every time you light it. For an especially rich and lasting fragrance, add oil to the melted wax before pouring it into the mould.
Color: You can add color with commercial candle wax, bits of old crayons or colored candle wax. Beeswax comes in a variety of colors, too.
Moulded candles
Materials: Moulds, metal wick tabs, candle wick (cut to the height of your container plus two inches), candle wax, clay or wick putty, wood skewer or pencil, scented oil (optional), old pan.
The first thing you must do is measure how much wax you need by filling the mould with water first, then pouring the water into your pan. Mark the side and dump the water. Slowly add wax as it melts to meet the line.(Chop or grate wax for faster melting. Then grease the mould that you have chosen with a bit of vegetable oil, so your candle comes out easily.
For moulds you can use old milk cartons, paper towel tubes with one end covered with foil, tin cans, old muffin tins, or commercial moulds available in craft stores.
Fix the wick in the base of your container using a metal wick tab (hold in place with clay or wick putty). Lay a wooden skewer across the top of your container. Tie the wick to this stick to hold it straight and in place.
Add scented oil (optional) and pour the wax into the mould and allow it to cool at room temperature. Do not put it outside or in the refrigerator since this can crack your end product. When the candle is set, dump carefully from the mould. Now trim the wick and light the candle.
Other options:
- Use heat resistant containers as moulds and leave the candle in them to burn, for example, baby food jars or terra-cotta pots. Test the heat resistance carefully when burning the candle for the first time, and until you do the test, set the candle on a heat-resistant surface.
- Use moulds that are flat and wide to create candles that can float on the water, a lovely addition to your holiday table.
- Create a lacy looking candle by using a cardboard mould and some crushed ice. Simply fill your container with crushed ice, pour on the wax and cool. Peel away cardboard mould; let excess water drain off.
Rolled beeswax candles
In a matter of minutes you can roll several candles in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes – even kids can help.
Materials: Dripless beeswax sheets, candle wick, sharp knife, straight edge, hair dryer.
Directions: On a hard surface, using a sharp knife, cut beeswax to size. A common size is 8 x 16 inches (20 x 40 cm); this makes a 16 inch (40 cm) taper style. Using a hair dryer on a low setting, gently heat wax for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to roll. Knot one end of the wick and place it along one edge of the wax sheet. The knot will be the base of the candle. Bend the wax around the wick. On a hard, even surface roll your candle until all the wax is rolled. The tighter the candle is rolled, the longer it will burn.
- To prolong the life of your candle, store in a cool, dry place. Many people use their freezer for candle storage. Some claim that candles burn longer because of this type of storage.
- Store candles in a horizontal position.
- Arrange burning candles on top of a mirror or silver tray for double the light.
- Place your finger in front of your mouth when blowing out a candle to prevent wax from flying all over.
- Never leave burning candles or melting wax unattended.
- Place candle holders or containers in the freezer to aid in removing old wax. Once the remaining wax is hard and brittle, it chips out with ease.
Source: Natural Beauty at Home and Natural Beauty for All Seasons by Janice Cox, publisher Henry Holt and Company.
Christmas relaxation
Relax and dig out some old photo albums of Christmas holidays gone by, invite your neighbors in for an evening of visiting, concentrate on the true meaning of Christmas, rather than the commercial event we have come to know. All of these activities can be done over a spicy warm cup of mulled apple drink.
Mulled apple drink
4 cups apple 1 L
juice
1/3 cup brown sugar 75 mL
1/8 teaspoon salt 0.5 mL
6 whole cloves 6
6 whole allspice 6
2 cinnamon 2
sticks, 4 inches (10 cm)
Measure all ingredients in a large saucepan. Heat, stirring often, until it comes to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain. Makes approximately four cups (1 L).
Source: Company’s Coming For Christmas, by Jean Pare, published by The Recipe Factory Inc.
