With the summer winding down and the cooler, darker, autumn taking over, September is the perfect time of year to use candles. Founded in 2013, World Candle Month is commemorated as a way to unite those who incorporate candles into their daily lives. While candles were once used to bring light into dark spaces, candles are now used for a variety of reasons. Lit candles can be a source of calm and relaxation, and can also be used to remember someone who has passed away.
Candles have been used during celebrations and as a light source for more than 5, 000 years. Today’s candles have come a long way since their initial use. Candles serve to symbolize a celebration, ignite romance, soothe the senses, honor a ceremony, and are a home décor accent — casting a warm glow for all to enjoy.
The National Candle Association has six safety and best practices when lighting candles.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Make sure the candle is out and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving it unattended.
- Keep burning candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper and flammable decorations.
- Do not place lit candles where a child or pet can knock it over.
- Avoid placing a lit candle near vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning and excessive dripping.
- Never touch or move a candle while it is burning or while the wax is liquefied.
- Place burning candles at least three inches apart from one another.
For more information about candles, please click on the hyperlinked articles below which are from the Bellevue University Library’s digital collection.
Herring, A. (2021). Candles as Art Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 81–84.
Herring, A. (2020). Candles That Soothe the Senses. Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 121(7), 56–62
These candles are LIT. (2021). HGTV Magazine, 11(9), 18–20.
Sources: https://candles.org/fire-safety-candles/