According to Webster’s Dictionary, “votive” means “offered or given in accordance with a vow.”  Votive candles get their name from their use during the religious ceremony during which people offer prayers to someone or something. All over the world, people of many different faiths light small candles to symbolize their prayer offerings.

Over time, votive candles came to describe any candle 2” high by 1 ½” in diameter. They come in a variety of colors and scents and burn for between five and ten hours. Their squat appearance makes them more stable than pillar candles or taper candles, which are more likely to tip or get knocked over.

When high-quality scented votives burn, the fragrance of essential oils is released into the air. These oils evaporate so if a candle is burned properly, nothing should be left behind. The wick should be trimmed to ¼” long to facilitate even, continuous burning. If you burn a votive for just a short time, only the wax around the wick will melt, which can cause your candle to have a sunken appearance. Candles should be burned one hour for every inch in diameter to ensure even burning.

Votives need to be burned in a votive holder or candle cup. Without an appropriate holder, a votive will melt into a puddle and can cause damage to surfaces. These candles are versatile and can be used in a variety of different candle cups. Some cups feature cut outs, which reflect lighted designs on nearby surfaces. Some are made with colored glass, which throws colorful patterns on walls and tables around the candle. Once lit, votives should be left alone, as the votive holder can get extremely hot and break if handled.

Votives are an inexpensive way to change the look and feel of any room. They’re small and unassuming, but the light they reflect and the fragrance they emit make them versatile additions to your home décor.  They’re great next to the bathtub, in the family room or in the kitchen. Depending on the scent you choose, they can help calm your mind, set a mood or mask stale cooking odors.

Votives are great everyday candles, but they also work well during the holiday season. Festive candle cups can dress up any votive and choosing scents like peppermint, pine and cinnamon can make any day smell like a holiday. A set of votives with a decorated candle cup makes a great gift at any time of year.

Some people enjoy the glow of candles without the scent. Others prefer to rotate their stock between favorite scents. Still others prefer to choose colored votives to match the color scheme in a particular area. Whatever your choice, votive candles can add character to a room.