What Are Votive Candles & How Are They Used?

Candles have long been cherished for their ability to transform spaces, casting a warm, soft glow that invites tranquility and serenity. From religious rituals to cozy evenings at home, candles have a unique power to evoke emotion and set the mood. While the world of candles offers a diverse array of shapes, sizes, and types, one particular gem often overlooked is the votive candle. In this exploration, we delve into the intriguing world of votive candles, unraveling their significance, uses, and differences from tealight candles.

What is A Votive Candle?

A votive candle, a delicate and diminutive creation, stands as a distinct type of candle with a history steeped in symbolism and spiritual significance. These candles are characterized by their cylindrical form, typically measuring around two inches in height and boasting a diameter ranging from 1.5 to 1.7 inches. Unlike other candles that stand alone, votives find their purpose nestled within votive holders – small glass containers meticulously crafted to both secure and shield the candle’s flame.

While votive candles may be modest in size, they possess the ability to cast a profound and lasting impact on the atmosphere they inhabit. With an average burn time of approximately 15 hours, these candles are not fleeting moments of illumination but rather enduring sources of serenity. Their ability to radiate a soft, soothing light transforms any space into a sanctuary of tranquility and introspection.

How are Votive Candles Used?

The uses of votive candles are a tapestry woven with threads of tradition, spirituality, and personal connection. Rooted deeply in various religious and cultural practices, votive candles serve as vessels for offerings of prayer, intention, and devotion. When the match is struck and the candle’s wick ignites, the flame becomes more than mere fire; it becomes an embodiment of ardent love and unwavering faith. Just as the smoke from ancient burnt offerings ascended to the heavens, the votive candle’s flickering flame carries the heartfelt sentiments of individuals, persisting even after they have physically departed from the sacred space.

The inspiration for votive candles traces back to the concept of “burnt offerings” from the Old Testament, where valuable offerings were burned as acts of reverence and submission to a higher power. This practice, rich with spiritual symbolism, has evolved through time, manifesting in the lighting of votive candles as a form of honoring the divine and seeking guidance, healing, or solace.

In contemporary settings, votive candles have expanded their role beyond the confines of religious rituals. Their gentle glow and the aura of contemplation they evoke make them a perfect addition to home decor. Placed strategically, they serve as exquisite centerpieces during dinners, casting a delicate radiance that invites conversation and connection. When arranged in clusters, they illuminate the path to relaxation, inviting individuals to unwind and find solace in their soft luminance. Whether positioned by a bedside table, in a quiet nook, or on a windowsill, votive candles transform spaces into havens of introspection and warmth.

The allure of votive candles lies not only in their visual elegance but also in their capacity to encapsulate emotions, desires, and aspirations. Each flicker of the flame becomes a testament to the thoughts and intentions of those who lit it. 

Tealight Candle vs. Votive Candle – What’s the Difference?

Drawing comparisons between votive candles and tealight candles reveals distinct characteristics that set them apart. While both offer alluring illumination, their sizes, burn times, and applications diverge significantly.

• Size – Votive candles possess a larger and taller form, while tealights are smaller and shorter in stature. This size variance leads to differences in their burn times, with votive candles lasting longer due to their greater wax content.
• Burn Time and Use – The extended burn time of votive candles, up to 15 hours, makes them ideal for prolonged events such as weddings, receptions, and dinners. Tealights, on the other hand, with a typical burn time of about 4 hours, find their niche in shorter activities like religious services, ceremonies, or yoga classes.
• Candle Holder Type – Votive candles and tealights diverge not only in size but also in their respective holders. Votive candle holders are commonly made of glass, while tealight holders are often constructed from metal. The selection of an appropriate holder for votive candles is essential; snugly fitted glass holders facilitate the formation of a melt pool along the top, contributing to an even and enchanting burn.

Which is Better to Use?

The decision between votive candles and tealights hinges on the specific context, purpose, and desired ambiance. Each type of candle carries its unique allure, offering an array of possibilities for enhancing different experiences.

Votive Candles

Ideal for scenarios where a longer burn time and sustained illumination are desired, votive candles shine in events that extend over hours. Their elegant form and soothing glow make them a popular choice for weddings, receptions, and formal dinners. The symbolic depth they bring to religious and spiritual practices adds a layer of reverence and devotion that transcends the physical realm. Moreover, votive candles harmonize effortlessly with home decor, infusing spaces with an inviting warmth that lasts long into the night.

Tealight Candles

Tealights excels in creating cozy and intimate settings, offering a gentle radiance that enhances relaxation and connection. Their shorter burn time makes them perfect for shorter activities such as meditation sessions, baths, or quick moments of solace. Tealights are also highly adaptable to a variety of decorative holders, allowing for creative displays that enhance any space. Their portability and convenience make them a favorite for those seeking to infuse their surroundings with a touch of charm and tranquility.

Choosing Your Light

The choice between votive candles and tealights ultimately rests on the intention behind their use. Votive candles, with their extended burn time and deeper symbolism, are well-suited for occasions that demand sustained illumination and emotional resonance. Tealights, on the other hand, thrive in creating fleeting, yet impactful, moments of solace and intimacy. Both types of candles, though distinct, carry within them the power to illuminate physical spaces while kindling the depths of the human spirit.

The Resonance of Votive Candles

Votive candles, though diminutive in stature, possess a profound ability to encapsulate emotions, aspirations, and devotion. From their historical origins rooted in religious practices to their contemporary roles in home decoration, votive candles stand as beacons of light and intention. The unique interplay of votive candles with votive holders facilitates the creation of an ambiance that resonates with the deepest corners of the human spirit. When choosing between votive candles and tealights, understanding their distinct qualities empowers individuals to craft the perfect atmosphere for any occasion.

In the tapestry of candlelit experiences, votive candles remain a shimmering thread, weaving together tradition, symbolism, and personal meaning. Whether in sacred spaces or everyday settings, votive candles invite us to kindle our intentions, keeping the flame of hope and reflection alive even as we depart, leaving behind a lingering presence that whispers, “Remember me, Lord, remember my prayer and those for whom I pray.”