Flower-Shaped Candles for Chinese New Year
Why Flower-Shaped Candles are Important for Chinese New Year
In Chinese culture, flowers are symbols of good luck, happiness, and new beginnings. Lighting candles is a way to honour ancestors and deities, and it is also believed to bring good fortune and dispel bad luck. Flower-shaped candles combine these two auspicious elements, making them especially significant for Chinese New Year.
Flowers and Greenery Names
Many different flowers and greenery can be used to make flower-shaped candles. Some popular choices include:
- Lotus: Purity, peace, and enlightenment
- Peony: Wealth, honour, and good fortune
- Chrysanthemum: Longevity, joy, and beauty
- Plum blossom: Resilience, hope, and perseverance
- Bamboo: Strength, flexibility, and integrity
Instructions on How to Make Flower-Shaped Candles
Materials:
- Candle wax
- Wicks
- Flower-shaped moulds
- Double boiler or heat-safe bowl and saucepan
- Thermometer
- Optional: candle dye, fragrance oil
Instructions:
- Melt the candle wax in a double boiler or heat-safe bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.
- Once the wax is melted, add candle dye and fragrance oil, if desired.
- Place the wicks in the flower-shaped moulds.
- Carefully pour the melted wax into the moulds.
- Let the candles cool completely before removing them from the moulds.
Tips
- When choosing candle wax, be sure to select a type that is specifically designed for candle making.
- Use a thermometer to ensure that the wax is not overheated.
- If you are using candle dye, start with a small amount and add more until you achieve the desired colour.
- When adding fragrance oil, be sure to use a type that is safe for candles.
- To prevent the candles from cracking, let them cool slowly at room temperature.
- You can find flower-shaped moulds at most craft stores.
- If you don't have flower-shaped moulds, you can use any type of mould you like.
- You can also add other decorations to your candles, such as glitter, dried flowers, or small figurines.
Additional Ideas
- Make candles in different colours and scents to represent different aspects of Chinese New Year.
- Use candles to create a festive centrepiece for your Chinese New Year celebrations.
- Give flower-shaped candles as gifts to friends and family.
Flower-shaped candles are a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate Chinese New Year. They can be used to decorate your home, honour your ancestors, and bring good fortune into your life.