Candles, Incense Sticks and Fragrances

Candles have a history spanning thousands of years

As early as 5000 years ago, precursors to modern candles were used as light sources. Early forms consisted of plant fibres soaked in animal fat, among other materials. Today, candles are made from paraffin, stearin, beeswax or plant-based waxes. What benefits do these different materials offer?

Are annoying mosquitoes bothering you during your barbecue? Place an anti-mosquito candle on the table. Depending on its ingredients, it can release a pleasant scent while helping to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Tealights and other candles in many shapes and colours

Candles differ in shape and design depending on their intended use. Small tealights fit into compact candle holders or a hollowed-out Halloween pumpkin. Tealights are also popular for creating atmospheric table decorations. What other options are available, and what are they suitable for?

• Cylindrical candles work beautifully on Advent wreaths. Thanks to their wide shape, pillar candles also make a great standalone decorative feature.
• Large candles can be placed in suitable 5L glass jars and used for lighting in sheltered outdoor areas. Pillar candles always require a secure, heat-resistant surface.
• Jar candles are ideal for the home, as the melted wax pools safely inside the container. Scented jar candles combine atmospheric light with pleasant aromas.

Christmas candles and other candles with Christian meaning

Even if you are not religious, you will encounter candles with Christian symbolism in everyday life. These include candles that accompany a new stage of life at a baptism, as well as lights to commemorate loved ones.

• Baptism candles are lit during the baptism and are often kept as a personal keepsake.
• Advent candles decorate Advent wreaths and festive candle holders. Dinner candles are suitable for decorative candelabras and are available in various sizes.
• Grave lights are usually housed in plastic or glass containers and are placed in grave lanterns or on graves.
• Easter candles are often colourful and decorated with motifs such as rabbits or chicks.

Candles with the crackle of burning wood

Particularly popular are candles with a wooden wick from WoodWick. Instead of a standard cotton wick, they feature a wooden wick that crackles gently as it burns, reminiscent of a cosy open fire. Many models also release a pleasant fragrance.

A pleasantly scented home with room fragrance oil

Do you like your home to smell pleasant and subtle? Then try scented candles from Glade or Air Wick, which are available in fresh summer scents as well as warm, wintry fragrance options. Many models release their aroma shortly after lighting. For a flame-free alternative, room fragrance oil in a matching diffuser is ideal.

Safe alternatives to open candle flames

Are you planning a lantern parade with your children and want to avoid an open flame? Use a LED candle in the lantern, which you can use again for the next parade. And if you are looking for candles for a birthday cake, you will also find them in our range.

Fragrance sticks or incense sticks – what is the difference?

Fragrance sticks are placed in a bottle of scented liquid and gradually release the scent into the room without being lit. Incense sticks, on the other hand, are lit briefly and then slowly smoulder. Their scent is used, for example, during meditation, for relaxation or as part of religious rituals.

For relaxing moments, incense sticks with a sandalwood scent are popular. If you prefer stronger aromas, you can also try Indian incense sticks, which often have a particularly intense fragrance.

Create a pleasant atmosphere with incense sticks

Incense sticks are frequently used in wellness studios or during meditation to create a relaxed atmosphere. You can also use them to scent a room at home. According to ancient customs, the smoke of sage in particular is attributed a symbolically cleansing effect. If you prefer a scent without smoke, you can use fragrance sticks instead.

How do you use incense sticks?

Incense sticks should be used individually rather than lighting a whole pack at once. Place the stick in a suitable holder, light the tip and gently blow out the flame. The stick should then only smoulder and not burn with an open flame.

Don't have a suitable holder? A stable, heatproof bowl filled with sand makes a great alternative. Insert the stick at a slight angle and ensure that the ash falls completely into the container.

How long do incense sticks burn?

Depending on their size and composition, incense sticks from China or India can smoulder for about 30 to 60 minutes. Their scent can sometimes still be detected in the room for a while afterwards. Store the sticks in a dry place, preferably in their packaging, as moisture can affect their quality. For continuous room fragrance without smoke, you can alternatively use room fragrance oil in a designated diffuser.