Votive Candles

Votive candles are perhaps one of the most popular types of candle.  If you haven't seen one, think again.  This type of candle is often seen lighted in churches.  The practice of lighting a votive candle before the image of the saints or of the Lord started in the early Christian times.  The light of the candle symbolizes that a prayer is said and that one's faith is offered to Him. 

A traditional votive candle is around 2 inches in height and one inch in diameter.  It is made from white or yellow wax.  The candles can be in a glass jar container or in foils.  Some even bore the images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

Do you want to know the role they play in the religious community? 

• ·         Christians light a candle if they intend to pray for something or if they want to pray for another person.
• ·         Roman Catholics light candles at the altar or before the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Jesus. 
• ·         Anglicans use the candles to pray for their dead. 
• ·        Methodists use the candles in the All Saint’s Day liturgical celebration.  They light them and then say a prayer for each person in the congregation who died.
• ·        Buddhist light votive candles and make them as offerings.  The candlelight is used as a symbol of wisdom and a reminder of the last sermon made by Buddha.

Votive Candles Today

Unscented votive candles or scented votive candles are made from paraffin.  Sometimes paraffin is mixed with other wax types such as beeswax so it becomes rigid and will retain its shape.  Votives today remain popular and it has made a lot of improvement throughout the years.  They are no longer just colored yellow or white but rather in several different colors.  They now have a scented version wherein essential oils are mixed with the wax so it gives off that aromatic throw when burned.

Although the votive candles may look plain, it is that very same reason that a lot of people use them as a décor.  Its simplicity makes it easier for some to enhance it with the use of other components such as candle holders and flowers.  Besides, any room can easily get a makeover with that special glow. Use them inside your living room.  You can put them strategically on shelves, windowsills or TV stands.  Votive candles can be spread out inside your bedroom too and you can choose to buy the colored ones that fit well with your bedroom’s color scheme.

Votives, pillars or tea lights; it doesn’t matter what your preference is.  We say, have fun! After all, decorating your place can be exciting.

Have you bought (or tried) a votive candle lately?