In Praise of Pure Beeswax Candles
The beeswax candle is a symbol of the cold winter periods we have grown to love at the London Honey Company.
With the clock change comes a mood change, the nights draw in and people begin to yield to the rituals and needs of winter. For us lighting beeswax candles forms a part of many of these rituals. The lighting of beeswax candles for dinner, even on a weekday, marks a watershed between the electric light of the working day and slipping into unwinding with loved ones, sharing food around a flicker of fire.
There is a psychology to candlelight, their warm glow is a balm to the mind and makes you feel warmer than it may really be. I am distracted from the world and its worries by the dancing shadows on the walls at bath time lit by beeswax candles.
But not all candles are born equal. Pure beeswax candles are 100% natural and don’t give off the toxic fumes of paraffin candles which worry me. Beeswax candles also burn longer and drip less whilst giving off a subtle honey scent. Beeswax is natural, sustainable, renewable and un-harmful to the environment.
In winter I am often torn between throwing open the windows in want of fresh air and keeping the house warm. Often I light a candle to help to purify the air in a room and leave a warm honey touch in the air, especially after kippers for Sunday brunch.
The beautiful glowing abundant light emitted from beeswax candles has the hue of a sunset, indeed it is the sunlight captured, turned into floral nectar and gathered by bees to store as wax and honey. The light is satisfying and gives the feeling of warmth and safety, even during winter storms. With paraffin candles you just don’t seem to gain the same effect. I find an almost artificial light is produced by paraffin.
In the warehouse we are busy making batches of our Christmas tree beeswax candles, which are always a popular sell out. Each is made by hand using our very own beeswax and last year Steve’s nephew made hundreds! I think it’s nearly time for us to call upon him again.