by Marvin Double

Created on: December 14, 2008   Last Updated: January 07, 2009

There is something exceptional about candlelight. The soft glow of a flickering flame holds a certain magical, perhaps mystical quality. Gazing in the fire we can be held fast to wonder, ponder and dream.

Elegant and decorative or simple and practical candles have been an integral part of religious, personal and social events or functions for many generations.

A tiny candle transforms a birthday cake into a magical wish machine. A Candle on the table turns ordinary spaghetti into an elegant romantic dinner. One candle alone can hold back the darkest night and transform our fear into courage candles are wondrous things.

Perhaps candles have an enduring appeal because they remind us of simpler less complicated times. They symbolize something real and lasting, a link to a bygone era in a modern world of constant change.

Few other things in our lives are so profoundly utterly simple, beautiful, mystical and comforting as are candles. For all its beauty and magic, a candle's open flame also brings with it risks. To use a candle wisely simply means following a few basic rules.

Always trim a candle wick to about one quarter of inch before lighting. Long wicks can cause large flames that cause flaming bits of wick to fly off and land on other potentially flammable things near by.

Always place a candle on or in a candle holder designed for that type of candle. The holder should have a base which holds the candle firmly and will not allow it to tip or fall. It should also be able to catch and contain melted wax.

Teas light are manufactured in a container, which makes it tempting to use them as is. They should however always be placed in a heat proof holder.

Candles should never be left unattended and should always be supervised by an adult and put out before going to sleep.

Never allow the open flame of a candle to be placed near flammable materials. Curtains are an obvious hazard, especially if they might be blown into a flame by a breeze. Bedding, furniture, carpets, books or flammable decorations should also be kept well away from and open flame.

Never place a lighted candle where it can be knocked over by pets, children, wind, doors etc.

To avoid flying sparks, snuff out candles, don't blow them out.

Candles in a center piece or decorative arrangement may be attractive but also hazardous. Flammable materials such as bark or dried flowers can easily ignite. Extra caution should be used with such arrangement to ensure safety.

One quick effective way to reduce the risk of an open flame is to make it less open. This can be accomplished by simply placing the candle in a glass chimney specifically designed for this purpose.

Statistics have shown that a high percentage of candle related fires start in the bedroom. Because of this you should use much greater caution when using candles in bedrooms.

The risk of placing an open flame near to something flammable is greater in a bedroom than in most other rooms in a home especially if your were preoccupied with other things.

In the heat of passion candles might also be quickly or carelessly placed where they can easily fall over or, left to burn unattended after you've fallen asleep.

In the bedroom as with elsewhere in your home, when using any candle the best advice is, use common sense. Always be aware that there is a potential risk from any open flame, no matter how small.

To use a well worn phrase, it's better to be safe than sorry.

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