The Tradition of Bayberry Candles

Many traditions are also witchy in nature. One big one that most people practice, without knowing, is making a wish and blowing our your candles on your birthday.

Every year around Yule and New Year's I carry out an old tradition that has been around for centuries. Lighting a Bayberry Candle to bring closer bonds, wealth and health.

When the first European settlers arrived on the American continent supplies were scarce.  One supply that was desperately needed was candles. Candles brought light in the dark. They were used daily as electricity was not invented yet.

Settlers used animal fat which is called tallow to make candles.  It was typically for a family to need 300-400 candles a year. Tallow candles had a foul odor. 

It was discovered that the Bayberry Shrub found on the Atlantic coast, has fruit like berries. The berries produce a greenish white colored waxlike substance. When crafted into candles it was discovered that they  lasted longer than the tallow candles. Bayberry candles have a woodsy odor which was much more pleasant.

The Bayberry candles were only used during the darkest time of the year. Bayberry candles are more rare and thus were not burned year round. It took nine pounds of bayberries to create one pound of bayberry wax.

Another challenge with the bayberry wax is that is is brittle. It makes it highly challenging to keep its shape. Thus beeswax is added.

A tradition came during the darkest time of the year on Yule Eve, Christmas Eve, and New Years Eve the bayberry candle would be burned to bring prosperity and abundance in the home.

A candle would be lit and family would say:

Bayberry Candle burn to the socket, Bring health to the home, and money to the pocket.