Bayberry Christmas Candle Centerpieces
Real bayberry wax comes from a shrub or tree also known as myrtle, waxberry or candleberry. The berries when boiled in water produce myrtle wax. It is quite a lengthy process. The mrytle wax is used in making bayberry candles, which are memorably fragrant, more brittle than beeswax candles and are almost smokeless. It takes lots of berries to make the wax - about 4 pounds of berries for 1 pound of wax.
Bayberry candles were used in American Colonial times when tallow (which was used to make candles) was too expensive and hard to get. It was also a very messy and at times pungent job.
Today some people use them because of the history and tradition. Some believe they bring good luck when burnt on Christmas eve all the way to the bottom of the candle. Others use them because they love the delightful, crisp, natural scent of the bayberry. Bayberry candles are sometimes hard to find and they are more expensive than other candles. Most "bayberry candles" on the market are other waxes with artificial bayberry fragrance added. Bayberry wax has a greenish color and its own natural scent. There is nothing like real bayberry candle if you can get them. You will want to make it a family tradition once you try these candles.
Here are a few bayberry candle centerpieces melding traditional and contemporary themes. They are easy for you to make and look really professional. Click on the product names or images below for more details or to purchase these items.