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Author Topic: Altar candles  (Read 2423 times)

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Offline Michelle

Altar candles
« on: May 05, 2024, 03:50:20 PM »
I have a large box of the remains of altar candles.  I was thinking about melting them down to make household candles to sell at our craft sale.  I was wondering what kind of wax they are made from.  Are altar candles 100% beeswax, or a mixture?  I would appreciate any help concerning the church laws.
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Offline Miseremini

Re: Altar candles
« Reply #1 on: May 05, 2024, 04:29:51 PM »
Best to ask the priest what he bought.
Altar candles used to be 100% pure then the requirement went to 66-2/3% and finally in the '50's down to 51%.  After Vat II...it was anything goes.
If there is any beeswax in the candle the amount should be molded into the side of altar candles near the bottom.
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Offline Plenus Venter

Re: Altar candles
« Reply #2 on: May 05, 2024, 07:05:52 PM »
The common altar candle in Australia contains around 10% bees wax which gives it a slight yellow/brown tinge compared with the white paraffin: https://www.christiansupplies.com.au/candle-15-x-1-beeswax-blend

100% bees wax candles are uncommon in my experience, probably due to the cost, and are much darker in colour 
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Offline Michelle

Re: Altar candles
« Reply #3 on: May 05, 2024, 07:06:40 PM »
Quote from: Miseremini on May 05, 2024, 04:29:51 PM
Best to ask the priest what he bought.
Altar candles used to be 100% pure then the requirement went to 66-2/3% and finally in the '50's down to 51%.  After Vat II...it was anything goes.
If there is any beeswax in the candle the amount should be molded into the side of altar candles near the bottom.
Thanks.  
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Offline Chris Z

Re: Altar candles
« Reply #4 on: May 05, 2024, 08:44:30 PM »
The "yellow" beeswax candles are or used to be used during lent and for funerals.  I've seen them used at funerals before at our chapel.  I've made my own candles form my own wax before, and they are pretty yellow.  I've read there is a way to sun bleach thin sheets of wax to whiten it.  You can also use only virgin comb and /or the wax capping on honey comb to get a white wax.

cz
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