Providential Votive Candles
Michalis 'BIG Mike' Kotzakolios


Defined Tag: Votive Candles.

Votive candles are typically small, simple candles, not essentially in glass containers. They originated as religious candles burnt as a votive offering. These candles are burned before a statue or a shrine in order to honor Jesus, Mary, or a saint. It is traditional to light candles when praying to Mary and the saints. After the Second Vatican Council (dated 1962-1965), there has been less emphasis on votive candles. However, many such candles are still placed in many churches for the Festival of Lessons and Carols.

Votive candles come in a wide variety of scents and colors, and are readily available. Although they are available in most local craft stores, you can make them with no trouble at all. First, dye and scent the wax, and heat it to 180 Fahrenheit. Then, place a small paper cup or glass on a level surface and pour about three inches of wax into it. Let it solidify, and, if you used a paper cup peel the paper off. If you used a glass, you can either slide the candle out of the glass or leave it in. If the candle is difficult to remove, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes or run hot water over it.

Finally, to insert the wick, drill a small hole through the candle or take a metal knitting needle or coat hanger. Now heat it up over a burner and melt a hold through the candle. Insert the wick into the hole. If the hole is too large, pour a small amount of molten wax into it and then quickly insert the wick. Votive candles can also be wicked with a wick holder tab and a metal core wick. It is not necessary to imbue these candles with essential oils. To ensure easy removal of any leftover votive wax, put a teaspoon of water in the votive cup and then place the votive candle on top of it. As the votive candle burns and turn to liquid wax, the water creates a vacuum or air pocket. When the candle is finished burning, you can easily pop out any remaining wax.

BIG Mike is a well known author, developer and Adsense expert as well as the owner of Niche Maniacs - a unique Adsense Marketing System designed to build long-term passive income streams from Adsense, YPN, Chitika and other PPC services.