Embracing Winter Solstice: How Candles Illuminate the Darkest Days of the Year

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. For many, this time brings a sense of darkness, both literally and metaphorically. It also offers a unique opportunity to find warmth, light, and reflection amid the cold and shadows. Candles have long played a vital role in this season, symbolizing hope and return of brighter, warmer days. Today we know that placing a clean-burning candle with active essential oils at the centre of your ritual can lower your nervous system activity, provide a central point for mindfulness, and infuse your home with aromas that calm and bring joy.

A glowing candle flame casting warm light in a dark room

The Winter Solstice and Its Meaning

Many ancient civilizations celebrated the solstice as a turning point, marking the return of longer days and the promise of renewed life. The celebration of the winter solstice, known as different variations of the term "Yule" in many pagan cultures, has since been messily incorporated into the modern interpretation of Christmas.

In our current North American culture, contrasting the busy, costly, and somewhat synthetic interpretation of a modern Christmas, the value of a solstice celebration is becoming clear. Across cultures, the winter solstice has traditionally been a time for reflection, to set intentions, and to celebrate light coming out of the darkness. Evergreen plants are celebrated with conifers, holly, mistletoe and wintergreen representing the life that persists through the darkness.

Mind you, in some cultures, it was also a time of ritual sacrifice of animals, and drinking copious amounts of beer from animal horns. Cleaning up after turkey dinner and recovering from one too many proseccos is enough for me.

Why Candles Are Central to Winter Solstice Traditions

Candles have long been central to winter solstice celebrations, their steady, simple flame representing the power and persistence of light. Many solstice rituals combine candles and the forest - rings of candles around trees, or even secured in their branches (I do not recommend). This is why I choose to blend coastal evergreen essential oils for my Island Solstice candles.

I've always been drawn to candles as a means to relax and reflect at the end of they day. My husband calls it my "blazing inferno". In addition to the aromatherapy benefits, I think I love them so much because they:

• Are a symbol of light and hope

Candles represent the sun’s return and the gradual lengthening of days. Lighting a candle can be a hopeful act, reminding us that darkness is temporary.

• Create warmth and comfort

The soft glow of candlelight adds warmth to cold winter evenings. It encourages relaxation and mindfulness, helping people feel grounded during a season that can feel stressful and overly busy.

• Prompt ritual and reflection

Lighting candles can be part of personal or communal rituals. It invites moments of reflection, gratitude, and intention-setting as the day (or the year) winds down.

• Connect us to nature and tradition

Not so long ago, candles were essential for light. Using them today can make us feel connected to past generations and natural rhythms.

The Science Behind Candlelight and Well-being

Research shows that soft, warm light can positively affect mood and relaxation. Unlike harsh artificial lighting, candlelight has a calming effect on the nervous system. This can reduce stress and promote a sense of peace during the hectic holiday season.

The flicker of a candle flame also encourages mindfulness. Watching the flame helps focus attention and quiet racing thoughts. This makes candlelight a useful tool to bring calm and support mental health during the long winter months.

How to Use Candles to Enhance Your Winter Solstice Experience

Bringing candlelight into your winter solstice observance can be simple and meaningful. You may wish to keep some of these rituals through the year to use in the evenings, prompting reflection and pause as each day winds down.

Create a Candlelit Space for Reflection

Set aside a quiet corner with candles arranged safely on a tray or holder. Use this space for journaling, meditation, or simply sitting in silence. The gentle light helps focus the mind and calm the spirit.

Light Candles to Mark the Solstice Moment

At sunset on the solstice day, light a candle to honor the turning of the year. You might say a few words of intention or gratitude as the flame flickers. Some traditions kept candles burning all night (I definitely do not recommend that!).

Use Scented Candles to Evoke Seasonal Aromas

Choose candles made with essential oils like pine, cinnamon, or clove to bring the essence of winter indoors. Celebrate the local forest and the plants that persist through the darkness. Aromatherapy deepens the sensory experience and can evoke feelings of comfort and calm, connecting you to nature.

Incorporate Candles into Family or Group Rituals

Gather with loved ones to light candles together. Share stories or poems, sing songs, or simply enjoy the warmth of shared light. This builds connection during a season that can leave some people feeling "in the dark".

Practice Candle Safety

Here's the fine print. Always place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces and away from flammable materials. Never leave burning candles unattended, or where children, wagging dog tails, or regular household traffic can contact the flame.

Choosing the Right Candles for Your Solstice

When selecting candles, consider these factors:

• Wax and wicks

Beeswax and soy candles burn cleaner and produce less soot than paraffin. Choose candles that are scented with essential oils, and not fragrance oils, to ensure your air stays clean and safe to breathe. Have you ever noticed that highly scented, commercial candles can leave you with a headache? Even the highest quality fragrance oils contain volatile chemicals that play an unknown role on our health and nervous systems. Essential oils extracted from natural materials can instead provide active benefits. People with allergies may wish to burn only unscented natural candles - beeswax is a wonderful option as it fills the room with the smell of warm honey. And, cotton wicks are my favourite clean option.

• Size and Burn Time

Larger candles last longer and cast more light and scent, but require more space. Tea lights and votives are great for creating multiple points of light. Smaller candles require you to be more cautious as they burn down more quickly and are in thinner vessels, which can become quite hot as the candle empties. Large high quality candles may seem expensive, but offer long burn times and better value over time.

Final Thoughts on Embracing the Winter Solstice with Candles

The winter solstice invites us to slow down, reflect, and find light in darkness. Candles offer a simple, beautiful way to mark this turning point. Whether through quiet meditation, festive gatherings, or daily rituals, candlelight connects us to nature’s rhythms, historical rituals, and to each other.

As the days begin to lengthen, lighting a candle can remind us that even in the darkest times, warmth and hope endure. This season, consider making candlelight a part of your winter tradition. It may bring more peace and brightness than you expect.