The Symbolic Meanings of Candles Through History

There’s no denying the magic that comes with lighting a deliciously scented candle at the right time. It’s been a popular practice across cultures all throughout history — and that’s why we’re diving into the symbolic meanings of candles in this Snif guide. 

Do Different Colored Candles Have Different Meanings?

If you normally choose your candle colors for purely decorative reasons, consider what the deeper meaning of the colors may be. 

For example, red candles can bring about love, passion, and energy. Black candles, on the other hand, are often associated with protection, and lighting a green candle may lead to growth and luck.

What Can Candles Be Used For?

All over the world, candles are lit every day for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a look at five common symbolic uses for candles. 

Healing

One of the most widespread uses of candles is for healing. In Native American, Hispanic, and Italian cultures (and many more), candles are used as part of spiritual and religious healing. 

Meditation

Loved for their calming abilities, it’s no surprise that candles are a common part of many meditation rituals. 

Candles play an important part in Hindu and Buddhist ceremonies because they symbolize enlightenment. 

Luck

In Russia, during Maslenitsa (translated roughly as Crepe Week), candles are lit and placed on windowsills and in doorways to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. 

Love

Another common use of candles is one of our favorites: love. 

Candles have been used to set the mood, manifest love, and show a little self-love throughout time.

Unity

Unity candles, often white, are an important part of wedding ceremonies for some couples. Usually, each person will take a small, thin candle, and together they’ll light a bigger candle to symbolize the beginning of their life together. 

What Are Some Candles To Try?

You’re officially a pro when it comes to candle symbolism, so it’s time to take a look at some of our favorite scented candles. 

Instant Karma

Dark, dreamy, and altogether irresistible, Instant Karma is the kind of cardamom candle you’ll want to light for a cozy date night at home. Featuring a blend of cardamom, nashi pear, black plum, geranium, vetiver, cedarwood, and black tea, this candle is comforting and sensual in equal measure. 

Off the Grid

Off the Grid is an amber candle you’ll want to light to bring a little bit of the magic of the natural world inside. Lily of the valley, moss, cypress, tuberose, cedar, cistus amber, and sandalwood come together to give this candle its distinct citrusy, spicy smell. 

Private Hours

Sometimes lighting the right candle can make a space feel downright luxurious, and that’s what Private Hours does. With a blend of spiced rum, tobacco flower, leather, cannabis, amber, and cashmere woods, this candle is certainly five-star approved. 

Vow Factor

Are you a hopeless romantic? 

Fig, mandarin, galbanum, neroli, rose, orris, cedarwood, tonka bean, and ambrette seeds make Vow Factor the kind of green candle that can make even the most mundane moment feel romance-worthy. 

Light Your Way

Now that you know all about what different scented candles and candle colors symbolize, get ready to choose the best Snif candle for your space.

Sources:

The healing power of Native American culture is inspiring psychologists to embrace cultural humilit | American Psychology Association

Studies of Advanced Stages of Meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist and Vedic Traditions. I: A Comparison of General Changes | NIH

It's Russian Mardi Gras: Time For Pancakes, Butter And Fistfights : The Salt | NPR

The Effectiveness of Neroli Essential Oil in Relieving Anxiety and Perceived Pain in Women during Labor: A Randomized Controlled Trial | NIH