Votive Candles
What are Votive Candles?
Originally votive candles were small, white and unscented. They were mainly used in religious ceremonies.
However currently votive candles are very popular and comes is a myriad of colors and scents. When
considering candles according to size then votive candles are rather small. They are small cylindrical
candles that are approximately an inch and a half in diameter and in most cases about two and a half
inches high. In religious ceremonies candle votives are frequently used. The main thing about votive is
that they have to be burnt in small cups or small votive candle holders to collect the resulting wax when
they burn. In most cases the votive candle holders or cups has to be made of glass though you are not
restricted to glass alone.
Votive Candles "Dissected"
Originally votive candles were made of paraffin wax and beeswax. Present day votive candles come in a much
wider variety. Not only color, but also fragrances have been added to render the votive candle
multifunctional. It can be decorative, aromatic (so as to be dual purpose – votive and
aromatherapy, to add light, to add warmth, to be presented as
gifts. A selection of different colored and scented votive candles along with matching votive holders in
an attractive cloth box or basket makes a lovely, inexpensive gift for any occasion. Adding any variety
of pillar candles, or perhaps some
aromatherapy gel candles and bubble bath to the set makes a very nice
personal and warm gift for someone special.
The wicks used in votive candles consist of a
cored wick. This cored wick is usually braided around zinc,
paper or cotton, or a combination of these. The candle, due to its length and the ingredients used
requires a core that will help it to stand up straight and burn properly.
A Note of Caution:
Your votive candle holder should always be a heat resistant container, and the flame should not be allowed
to get too close to the container, especially glass, which may crack. While zinc does produce small
amounts of lead, the National Candle Association
asserts that it is not hazardous.