Make Your Own Candles for Candlemas

Candlemas, celebrated each year on February 2nd, holds a beloved place in the Church calendar. Also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord or the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it marks the moment when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem, 40 days after His birth.

There, a devout man named Simeon, moved by the Holy Spirit, took Jesus into his arms, lifted Him to the Lord, and spoke these prophetic words:

“A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,And the glory of Your people Israel.” Luke 2:32

It is this image, Jesus, revealed as the Light of the World, that gives Candlemas its name and its luminous heart.

The Tradition of Blessed Candles

Because of this revelation, candles have long played a central role in how Christians have celebrated this feast. Historically, on Candlemas, churches would bless all the candles they planned to use throughout the year. Families would also bring candles from home to be blessed during a special liturgy, Candlemas, or Candle Mass.

These blessed candles would then be used throughout the year during prayer, storms, illness, or moments of need, a visible reminder that Christ’s light is always with us.

A Simple Practice to Bring Home

One beautiful way to mark Candlemas in your own home is by making your own beeswax candles. It’s a hands-on, joyful activity that connects you to centuries of Christian tradition, to the wider Church across the world, and to the deep truth that Jesus is our light in the darkness.

Even more, it’s a lovely project for families to do together. The steps are simple and the result is something you can use in your home all year long.

How to Mahttps://amzn.to/47X1jFMke Beeswax Candles for Candlemas

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own candles using beeswax pellets and silicone molds, a user-friendly method that’s great even if you’re brand new to candle making.

Materials Needed:

1. Beeswax Pellets These are my favorite. They melt so easily and dry quickly.

2. Silicone Candle Molds Come with two spiral silicone molds, wicks, and clips.

3. Wax Melting Handled Pot I love this pot because the wax melts quickly and it has a handle and a spout which makes it so much less messy than a saucepan.

4. Saucepan (Make sure it's larger than your wax pot)

5. Stirring Spoon (I used a metal spoon which made clean-up easy)

6. Scissors

7. Masking Tape

   
   

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Molds:

Cut a length of wick that is 2 inches longer than the mold. Place the wick inside the silicone mold, leaving an inch of wick coming out of the top and the bottom.

Place strips of masking tape around the bottom, middle, and top of the mold to keep it closed.

2. Melting the Beeswax:

Fill a saucepan with around 3 inches of water and place it on the stove. Turn the eye to medium-high or high. Put beeswax pellets in the handled pot or double boiler and place them on top of the larger saucepan. Stir occasionally until the beeswax completely melts.

3. Pouring the Wax:

Once melted, carefully pour the beeswax into your prepared molds. Fill them up to the desired level.

Center the wick and secure it at the top with the hairpin that is provided in the kit.

4. Cooling:

At first, I placed my candles in a tall cup so they were upright. When the tops were solid-looking, I laid them on their sides in the fridge. Avoid moving the molds during this time to ensure a smooth finish. Candles should be ready in 2-4 hours.

5. Unmolding:

Once the wax is completely set, gently peel away the masking tape strips and open the silicone mold. If you face resistance, placing the mold in the fridge for a few minutes can help.

6. Finishing Touches:

Trim any excess wick length at the bottom of the candle. Trim the top wick to about ¼ inch above the wax. Your candle is now ready for Candlemas!

When Candlemas comes, place the candles you made on your dining or kitchen table. Before dinner or during your evening devotion, use my favorite Liturgy for the Blessing of Candles from Catechesis Books.

Every time we light these candles, whether during prayer, dinner, or a moment of stillness, we join in this ancient proclamation: the Light has come, and the darkness cannot overcome it.