Grave candles made from tin cans, cardboard and candle remnants.
A short history of manufacturing – in the past and how we do it today.
The cans are ready for the liquid candle wax
The history of grave candles
**Grave candles** are special, handmade candles that are traditionally used during the Christmas season, especially in rural areas of Germany and Austria. The name often derives from their use outdoors, for example along paths, ditches or fields, where they serve as decoration and a source of light. They are usually made of natural materials and have a rustic appearance. They are made as follows:
### **Materials for trench candles**:
- **Tree trunks or logs**: Usually small tree trunks or thicker logs are used, into which candles or wicks are later inserted.
- **Wicks**: A wick made of cotton or other natural material is used to light the candle.
The great "candle melting"
Instead of logs and firewood, we used tin cans and cardboard. We used a strip of cardboard as a wick.
- **Wax**: Beeswax or a similar weather-resistant wax is often used to feed the wick.
### **Manufacturing process**:
1. **Preparation of the log**:
A small log or log is placed vertically, often in a sturdy holder or stuck directly into the ground. A cross-shaped or star-shaped slot is cut into the top of the log to allow air circulation and allow the wood to burn well. Some logs are split completely and then loosely reassembled.
In our version, we cut cardboard into strips (approximately as high as the tin can to be filled). The strips were rolled up and put into the tin can.
Here is the department that was responsible for cutting the cardboard strips and paper wicks
2. **Inserting the wick**:
A wick is inserted into the prepared cracks or cuts in the wood. This wick draws the wax upwards so that it can burn for a long time when lit.
We put a strip of cardboard in the middle of the cardboard roll to serve as a wick.
3. **Add wax**:
Now the prepared wick is covered with wax. Liquid wax or wax residue is often used for this and is poured into the cuts in the wood. This gives the candle a longer burning time and ensures that the fire remains stable.
The tin cans prepared in this way were filled with liquid wax that we boiled from the candle remains. After hardening, the grave candles were ready for use.
The cans are ready to be filled with wax, at the same time the "simmering" continues
4. **Lighting**:
Once the trench candle is ready, it is lit at the top. The cross-shaped arrangement of the cuts allows the wood to burn well and the flame lasts for a longer period of time, ideal for outdoor use.
The finished candles can be lit using the cardboard strip. The wound cardboard soaked in wax will allow the grave candle to burn well and the flame will last for a longer period of time.
The finished candles were stored in boxes to cool
### **Usage**:
Grave candles are often used during Advent or at festive outdoor events because they provide a rustic, cozy light and burn for a long time. They are often seen along paths, in ditches or as decorations in front of houses, especially in regions with a strong connection to traditional crafts.
As you can see from the pictures, making the grave candles was a lot of fun for everyone involved.
More than 180 grave candles were produced in about 2 hours.
Anyone who would like to donate candles, wax and empty cans for further production can bring the items to the donation collection point at Tannenweg 10, Sankt Augustin every Friday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
If the instructions for making the candles have inspired you to make your own, you are welcome to bring the finished candles to us for donations.
We would like to thank all donors and helpers who made this campaign possible.
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