Acorn cap candles
When the seasons turn, we find joy in looking for simple and meaningful ways to celebrate the change in weather as a family. Because we live in a small home on a hill, these celebrations usually include the natural elements from our landscape, in constant change throughout the year. What is abundant? What can be transformed? What can be brought inside and appreciated just as it is?
In Winter, there are wild edibles that are transformed into green sauces and deadwood that find new shapes under my partner’s skilled carpenter hands. In Spring, the abundance of flowers lives as bouquets on the kitchen table and the edible, fragrant ones become tasty honeys and cordials. In Summer, in our dry and hot climate, there are handfuls of dry grasses we use for decoration and some wild fruits that become jams or dried snacks to indulge on during the cold months. And in Autumn? There are acorns. Bags and bags full of acorns. With some many uses, from natural dyeing to a roasted drink with similarities to coffee, they are ever-present in our home.
But what about the acorn caps? Looking like small fairy hats sitting on top of each fruit, there must be certainly something creative to make with them. So in a recent Autumn, me and my little one sat down and made something. And that something suddenly became so much more than just a something. It became a tradition, a ritual in itself, and quickly a part of our Samhain too, which is one of the major celebrations from the Old Days, and was usually celebrated over the last couple weeks in October to the very beginning of November. Samhain is a time to remember what has passed, to think of and honor our ancestors. But it is also a time to look into the future, peering through the shadowy curtain. The traditions of this time of the year have their roots in ancient customs, and there are many layers to explore. However, one of the elements of this celebration is fire, whether a bonfire, lanterns or candles.
And this is how our acorn caps became acorn cap candles. Using elements of our landscape in celebration of the seasons’ passing and, in this case, of summer giving way to the cold, dark months ahead. If you feel inspired to make some of these yourself, here is a simple tutorial to support you through it. This really is just a starting point - feel free to use different materials you might have around you. Walnut shells, for instance, work great for this!
These little candles are best and more safely used floating in a bowl of water. It’s such a beautiful, gentle presence on the kitchen table, for example.
Materials
Acorn caps, the wider and deeper, the better. Alternatively, you can use walnut shells.
Beeswax (or vegan alternative)
Wick, cut into tiny pieces a little longer than the height of your caps
A small bowl full of sand
Directions
Melt the beeswax in a double boiler and, in the meantime, place your acorn caps facing up in the bowl of sand, gently nested there - this will help them stay in place as the wax hardens;
Carefully pour the melted wax into each cap at a time, and quickly place a little wick in the middle, holding for a little bit until you feel it’s stuck in place;
Let them harden and cool down before removing from the sand, and you're done!
These candles have a very short lifespan (10-15 mins, depending on the depth of the acorn cap you're using). Even though I recommend you use them floating in a bowl of water, remember to keep an eye out as they burn, and don’t leave them unattended: fire + wood = stay alert.
To turn these little candles into part of your very own small ritual, here’s my suggestion: Make yourself a warm cup of herbal tea and slowly light some candles, letting them wander on the water’s surface as you reflect upon what's passed and set to rest - that's my small ritual for you, on a Samhain’s eve. 🌙🍂✨
