Candles Guide
July 4, 2025
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The Right Way to Use and Burn Candles? (2025 Guide)
Candles have been a part of human culture for centuries. From ancient civilizations using oil lamps to modern-day scented jars, candles remain symbols of comfort, ritual, and beauty.
In households, candles and their traditional counterparts like diyas and divas have a deep-rooted place—used in celebrations, religious rituals, and even romantic dinners. Their soft glow transcends time and technology, bringing warmth to both homes and hearts.
Emotionally, candles evoke peace, introspection, and joy. They are a staple in weddings, prayer ceremonies, and cozy evenings. Culturally, they symbolize everything from purity and enlightenment to love and festivity.
Whether lighting a candle during Diwali or placing scented ones around a bathtub for some self-care, the candle becomes more than just a source of light—it becomes an experience.
The term “use” when applied to candles carries many meanings. Practically, we light them to brighten a room or enhance a space with fragrance.
Aesthetically, we place them as décor items to style our homes. Spiritually, we burn candles to connect with deeper energies or divine presences. This flexibility makes candles not just tools, but symbolic and meaningful artifacts.
Different Types of Candles and Their Uses
Not all candles are created equal. Depending on the occasion, space, or purpose, you can find a type that fits just right.
Let’s dive into the different kinds of candles you’ll find—especially those popular among Karigar Style lovers, where culture meets craftsmanship.
A. Tea Light Candles
Small but mighty, tea light candles are perfect for enhancing ambiance. They fit into small holders and offer a short, subtle burn that’s ideal for bathrooms, dinner tables, or window ledges.
Their soft glow adds a romantic or relaxing touch, especially when multiple are lit together. Many Karigar-style customers use these during quiet evenings or when entertaining guests with food and soft music.
B. Votive Candles
These are slightly larger than tea lights and often placed in glass holders. Votive candles are commonly used in spiritual settings—whether it’s lighting one in a mandir, gurdwara, or a personal shrine at home.
Their symbolic value is deep, making them popular during rituals, prayers, and healing sessions in Punjabi culture.
C. Pillar Candles
Sturdy and elegant, pillar candles make for excellent decorative centerpieces. Available in various sizes and colors, they are often used in living rooms, on mantels, or even at weddings and functions.
Their long burn time and bold presence make them favorites for both style and utility. In Karigar Style collections, they often reflect rich Punjabi hues—deep reds, golds, and warm neutrals.
D. Taper Candles
Taper candles are tall and slender—usually used in candle holders or candelabras. Perfect for formal dining setups or traditional celebrations, they bring an old-world charm.
Whether you’re recreating a Punjabi royal feast or just elevating a dinner table, taper candles can transform any meal into an occasion.
E. Jar Candles
Modern and versatile, jar candles are the go-to for fragrance lovers. Enclosed in glass jars, they are safer and easier to handle.
These are perfect for bedrooms, drawing rooms, or even balconies. With inspired scents like rose, sandalwood, and cardamom, Karigar Style’s jar candles blend tradition with sensory delight.
F. Wax Melts & Flameless Candles
If safety is a concern—especially in homes with children or pets—wax melts and flameless candles are excellent options.
They give off delightful scents without the open flame, making them great for modern urban homes. Flameless options still provide the visual charm, often with LED lights mimicking real flickers.
How to Burn a Candle Properly?
Candles may look simple, but burning them the right way can make all the difference.
Whether it’s one of Karigar Style’s handcrafted scented candles or a classic votive, knowing how to use it properly ensures safety, longevity, and an even burn.
Let’s break down the key steps to properly burn a candle, using everyday synonyms like light, ignite, use, and burn to understand the process better:
1. Trim the Wick
Before you light a candle, always trim the wick to about ¼ inch. A long wick causes high flames and sooty smoke. Use a wick trimmer (or scissors) to keep it short and clean. Trimming helps the candle burn evenly and safely.
2. The First Burn is Crucial
The very first time you burn a candle, let it melt to the edges of the container. This creates a “memory ring,” which prevents tunneling (where wax only melts down the middle, wasting the rest). Depending on the size, this can take 2–4 hours.
3. Avoid Drafts
Burn candles in a spot away from the wind or fans. Drafts cause uneven burning, flickering flames, and may even cause wax splashes.
4. Relighting
Before each use, trim the wick again. If soot builds up, wipe the container with a damp cloth once it’s cooled.
5. Extinguishing Safely
Never blow out a candle with your breath. Instead, use a candle snuffer to extinguish it cleanly. This prevents wax to splatter and smoke. You can also use a wick dipper to bend the wick into the melted wax—this smothers the flame and coats the wick for easier relighting.
How to Use Candles for Different Purposes
At Karigar Style, we believe candles are more than decoration—they’re versatile tools for enhancing everyday life.
Whether you’re seeking peace, setting a romantic vibe, or celebrating culture, there’s a candle for that.
A. Aromatherapy & Stress Relief
Certain essential oils in candles are known to calm the mind and body.
Lighting a candle with lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile scent during a quiet evening or bath can relieve anxiety and promote better sleep. These are perfect after a long day or during meditation.
Our aromatherapy line uses traditional herbs and spices for an earthy, grounding experience.
B. Meditation and Mindfulness
Candles are powerful tools in spiritual practices. In mindfulness sessions, a steady candle flame helps focus attention and calm racing thoughts.
Burning a candle while chanting, praying, or doing yoga enhances the atmosphere and energy of the space.
In many Punjabi homes, candles or oil lamps are lit in home altars for morning and evening prayers. The flicker represents divine presence and purity.
C. Romantic & Special Occasions
Candles create instant romance. Whether it’s a dinner date or a proposal, soft lighting adds warmth and intimacy.
Taper or tea light candles on a dinner table, scented jar candles in a bath, or even a custom Karigar Style candle with a romantic message can turn ordinary moments into lifelong memories.
D. Festive or Religious Use
No celebration is complete without candlelight. From Diwali diyas to Advent candles and Christmas décor, flames bring people together in joy and reflection. In Punjabi culture, candles are often used during:
- Gurpurabs (Sikh religious festivals)
- Weddings and mehndi nights
- Poojas and havans
- Lohri and Baisakhi
They symbolize positivity, divine blessings, and renewal.
Safety Tips When Using Candles
Candles can bring beauty, peace, and meaning into our lives—but only if we use them responsibly.
At Karigar Style, we prioritize safety just as much as aesthetics. Here are some essential safety tips every candle user should follow:
1. Never Leave a Burning Candle Unattended
This is rule number one. Always extinguish your candle when leaving the room or going to sleep. Even a small flame can become dangerous if left alone.
2. Use Heat-Proof Surfaces
Always place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface—never on flammable materials like wood, fabric, or plastic. Decorative trays made of metal, ceramic, or stone are ideal.
3. Keep Away from Children, Pets, and Curtains
A curious pet or child can easily knock over a candle. Keep them high and out of reach. Also, ensure there are at least 12 inches of space around a candle—especially from curtains, books, or paper.
4. Don’t Burn for Too Long
Limit each candle burn to 3–4 hours max. Longer burns can lead to the glass overheating or excessive soot. Let the candle cool before relighting.
5. Proper Extinguishing Methods
Blowing out a candle may seem harmless, but it can spread hot wax or embers. Always use a candle snuffer or wick dipper to safely extinguish the flame.
6. Be Aware of Fire Hazards
Keep candles away from anything flammable. Be especially cautious during events like Diwali or weddings when multiple candles or diyas are lit at once.
How to Extinguish Candles Correctly
Extinguishing a candle seems easy, but doing it the right way ensures your candle lasts longer and burns cleaner.
Here are some smart, safe ways to put out your candle:
1. Snuffing
Using a candle snuffer is the cleanest and safest way to extinguish a flame. It cuts off the oxygen supply gently, without splattering wax or creating smoke. Every candle lover should own one!
2. Capping
If your candle comes in a jar with a lid, you can cap the candle after the flame is out and the wax has cooled slightly. This locks in the scent and protects the surface from dust.
3. Blowing (Use with Caution)
Blowing out a candle works, but it often causes smoke and can send hot wax flying. If you must blow it out, do it gently and away from your face and surroundings.
4. Wick Dipping
Using a wick dipper, gently push the burning wick into the melted wax and lift it back out. This extinguishes the flame and coats the wick in wax, which helps it light more cleanly next time.
Avoid putting out candles with water—it can cause glass jars to crack or wax to splatter.
Once the candle is out, let it cool completely before handling or storing it.
Candle Care Tips for Better Use
Taking care of your candles not only makes them last longer but also keeps them looking beautiful and burning safely. At Karigar Style, where our candles are crafted with love and rooted in Punjabi tradition, we always encourage mindful usage. Here are key tips to maintain your candles:
- Trim the Wick Regularly
- Prevent Tunneling
- Avoid Drafts
- Reuse and Upcycle Containers
- Storing Your Candles Well
- Know Your Candle’s Rare Feature
A few extra minutes of care make a big difference. A well-loved candle lasts longer, burns more beautifully, and maintains its scent quality from the first burn to the last flicker.
Conclusion: Burn Bright, Burn Safe
Candles are more than wax and wick—they’re carriers of tradition, mood-setters, and spiritual companions. At Karigar Style, we believe every candle you light should be done with intention, care, and cultural pride.
Candle burning is a ritual in itself—a blend of the physical and spiritual. In Punjabi culture, the flicker of a flame often signals something deeper: a prayer, a celebration, or the simple joy of unwinding at home.
So, whether you’re lighting candles for a family gathering, a peaceful evening bath, or a romantic dinner for two—remember that every flame tells a story.
Light Up Your Life with Karigar Style
We invite you to make candlelight a part of your daily rhythm. Light one when you wake up to set your intentions. Light one during dinner to pause and savor the moment.
Light one during meditation to connect with yourself or during festive nights to connect with your heritage.
Explore our handcrafted collection at Karigar Style—from richly scented jar candles to festive votives inspired by Canadian and USA traditions. Each piece is a fusion of old-world charm and modern elegance, made with natural ingredients and cultural soul.
FAQs – Your Candle Questions Answered
How long should I burn a candle at a time?
Ideally, for 2 to 4 hours. Burning for too short can cause tunneling. Too long, and it overheats the jar. Use a timer for consistency.
Can I use a candle in an air-conditioned room?
Yes, but avoid placing it directly under the AC vent. The moving air can cause uneven burning or blow out the flame.
What should I do if my candle tunnels or smokes?
For tunneling, burn the candle longer to melt all the wax edges. For smoking, trim the wick and check for drafts. A long or carbon-heavy wick often causes black smoke.
Are scented candles safe for pets or babies?
It depends. Always use natural, toxin-free candles (like Karigar Style’s soy or beeswax candles). Avoid strong artificial fragrances. Never burn candles close to babies or in rooms with poor ventilation.
Why does my candle burn unevenly?
Most likely because of a draft, untrimmed wick, or a short burn time. Always burn candles long enough for a full melt pool and place them in a steady location.
