The Legend of the Bayberry Candle

When colonial families settled on the Eastern seaboard, they set about on their "women's work". Each day, the women of the house were responsible for the cooking, cleaning and care of the home. In late fall, as the animals were slaughtered, women would begin making candles for the following year. The average home would require approximately 200 - 400 candles to illuminate the home for a year. Tallow, or animal fat, was collected throughout the year, but slaughter always brought more fat to the home. As candle making was grueling and smelly work, the bulk of it was done in a single day.

Tallow can be quite foul after a few weeks. Imagine how much worse it must be after several months! In more affluent homes, the women would make candles from beeswax or bayberry wax, as the aroma was far sweeter than anything an animal would leave behind.

Women would gather bushels of bayberries and boil them for several hours. This heating process allowed the waxy substance to seep from the berries. As the wax has a natural buoyancy, the wax floated to the top of the kettle. Once the wax cooled, it was skimmed off much the same way we skim chicken fat from cooled broth today. It takes approximately 15 pounds of bayberries to render one pound of wax. Bayberry wax is brittle by nature, and prone to "blooming", which is a white powdery residue that forms on the outside of the candle after several months. Candles had to be stored in a cool flat place to protect their fragile shape.

Over time, chandlers made their rounds, relieving women of the chore of candle making. Eventually, molds and paraffins were developed to replace tallow and chandlers altogether.

Bayberry has seen a resurgence in popularity over the last 100 years. Mabel Baker, founder of Colonial Candle of Cape Cod (later PartyLite, a division of Blythe HomeScents, Inc.) made her mark in the early 20th century making hand dipped bayberry tapers. Unfortunately, the company no longer offers candles made from genuine bayberry wax.

Colonist folklore states that if you light a new bayberry candle on Christmas Eve, you'll have health, wealth and prosperity in the coming year. The adage reads:

A bayberry candle burnt to the socket brings food to the larder and gold to the pocket.

This holiday, look for taper candles made with genuine bayberry wax. The sweet, grassy aroma is a pleasant holiday fragrance. Burn one taper on Christmas Eve, and ring in a new year of health, wealth and prosperity!

Lisa Robbin is the Director of Product Development for the giving candle, the maker of genuine bayberry tapers and Heavenly Gems resin-based clear candles. Lisa writes articles on all things candle related in an effort to educate consumers about making the most out of their candle purchases.

You can email her directly at lisa@thegivingcandle.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


The Barkeeps Guide to Buying Bar Stools

Purchasing a bar stool is a very meticulous process that... Read More

Preserved Flower Candles

Putting flowers in your candle will add a unique look,... Read More

The Benefits of Vertical Wood Blinds

Wood vertical blinds, a style of wood blinds falling vertically... Read More

Home Interior Decorating

Your house is something special. It's the place where you... Read More

Installing Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors can be secured using various installation methods such... Read More

Add A Splash Of Color To Your Bathroom With A New Shower Curtain!

If your bathroom is looking a bit tired, but you... Read More

A Guide to Discontinued Wedgwood China

Everything has its day and its time, and Wedgwood China... Read More

An Introduction to Picnic Baskets

Picnic baskets are the best way to eat outdoors, and... Read More

A Look at Edible Fruit Baskets

By their very nature, all fruit baskets, especially the original... Read More

Installing Granite Countertops

Granite is not only the hardest material available for countertops;... Read More

The Advantages of Copper Kitchen Sinks

If you want a touch of class and art in... Read More

Conservatory Furniture - Hints and Tips

No conservatory is complete without beautiful conservatory furniture to relax... Read More

7 Tips To Note When You Decorate Your Home

When you decorate your home, think twice about the colors... Read More

Putting Passion Back Into Home Decorating

For most people, they can count the times they redecorate... Read More

Bathroom Vanity Sinks

When shopping for a bathroom vanity sink, let both function... Read More

Summer Every Season

Ahhh, the sumptuous days of summer. Clear skies, green lawns,... Read More

Carlton Ware: A Colourful Collectible

These vibrant collectibles are as charming today as they were... Read More

Bakers Wine Racks: Sophisticated Style

Nothing sends a message of sophistication and style quite the... Read More

A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room

Typically a small space consisting of just a sink and... Read More

Getting The Most From Your Candles

I love burning candles and have them all around the... Read More

Is It Time To Move? Change Your Home Into A House... Have It Staged!

Heart and Soul Designs - Changing your Home into a... Read More

The Benefits of Owning an Ionic Air Purifier

Ionic air purifiers are not filter systems. Ionic air purifiers... Read More

Bar Stools & Counter Stools - Tips on How To Select the Right Style for Your Space

If you have a breakfast bar or wet bar in... Read More

Jazz Up Your Room With Folding Screen Room Dividers

Using a room divider or folding screen can be a... Read More

The English Grandfather Clock Tradition

Like the storied countryside of England, grandfather clocks from that... Read More

Mini Blinds: An Introduction

Mini-blinds have replaced the old-fashioned Venetian blinds as more convenient... Read More

Discount Granite Countertops

The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal... Read More

Buying Custom Wood Blinds

Window and door blinds on windows and doors are chief... Read More

The Value of Wedgwood China

If Josiah Wedgwood were alive today, even he would be... Read More

Using Candles in Feng Shui Decorating

The basic belief behind Feng Shui is that there are... Read More

Your Heritage and Personal Decorating Style

Ethnic traditions, customs, and attitudes carry forward our family values.... Read More

How to Buy Discount Roman Shades

Roman shades adorn windows to block the sun or to... Read More

Decorating Kid?s Rooms On A Small Budget

Now if your children are like mine they want to... Read More