Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lux Sacra stand for?
Lux Sacra means holy light in latin. Lux Sacra Candles is dedicated to bring back traditional beeswax candles into the Catholic Church. Traditionally, based on the the liturgy of Easter, the beeswax candle symbolises Christ, the wax signifies His Body, the wick signifies his Soul and the flame signifies His Divinity. In Lux Sacra Candles, every candle is handmade with this belief in mind to bring glory to Christ on the altar.
Why do the Catholic Church use beeswax candles traditionally?
The liturgy of Candlemas following the 1962 Missal of the Catholic Church per the Feast of Presentation which is also the Purification of Blessed Virgin Mary at the Temple highlights the significance of the use of pure beeswax in candle making. Beeswax is produced by worker bees which are all female virginal bees. Since the beeswax symbolises Christ's body, there is a parallel drawn that the bees symbolises the Virgin Mother who produced the body of Christ. Therefore, the beeswax is fitting to produce the purest and brightest light symbolising the Divinity of Christ.
Must Catholic Churches use beeswax candles?
It is not a requisite in today's times for Churches to use beeswax candles. Battery operated candles offer a convenient and affordable substitute vis-a-vis beeswax candles which can pose the danger of fire and create a messy pool of wax on the altar table. Beeswax candlesticks were hard to find locally and expensive. Most pure 100% beeswax candlesticks melt into a messy pool and are unsuitable for church altars.
Other than its symbolism, what are the benefits of lighting a beeswax candle?
By tradition, the devotion of lighting a candle symbolises the lifting of your prayer towards heaven by the the light of the flame. Church candles are shaped in as straight cylinders symbolising the upward arrow of prayers spearheaded into heaven. It was devotionally believed that one's prayer is held before the altar for the same time duration of the burn time of the candle. Therefore, the devotion of lighting a tealight for each intention is efficacious in that one's prayer subsists before the Altar though the person has already left the church.
What about the use of electrical tealights before an Altar?
It appears to be less meaningful as the light of the bulb travels in all directions compared to the energy of the lively flame which points upwards, symbolically carrying prayers upwards.
Are your candles made in Singapore?
Lux Sacra Candles is the sole local producer of Catholic Church candles in Singapore ensuring that the candles are church approved and genuinely made from beeswax.
Are your candles made from natural ingredients?
Yes, our candles are made with pure beeswax ethically sourced from reliable sources. Additives are added minimally to make the beeswax candle sturdier and last longer.
Why don't you make 100% pure beeswax candles?
100% pure beeswax candles is too soft to withstand long hours of the flame. Within an hour, the pure beeswax candle stick will become soft and drip into a pool of wax. Additives are required to harden the structure of the natural beeswax so as to sustain a longer burning time and reduce dripping. It is not possible to create a candlestick with pure beeswax candle that can burn completely without collapsing.
How do I know your candles are made from natural beeswax?
We work with many suppliers to test and ensure the raw beeswax are genuine and we would test various batches of beeswax to ensure the authenticity of the beeswax. For each batch of beeswax, we will re-formulate to ensure the candle burns cleanly and longer.
What is the difference between your beeswax candles compared to others?
No fragrances are added and minimal additives added would ensure the highest possible quantity of beeswax used so as to maximise its purity and suitability as an church altar candle. Our candles have a natural tinge of the smell of dried flowers or honey.
Which candle is suitable for home altars?
We recommend the use the pillar candles of diameter 5cm and above for your home altar as they do not require the use of candle followers and could burn for longer hours without the need of a candle follower. However, we advise users to extinguish the candle within 3 hours for their own safety and to prevent overheating.
How long do the candles burn?
Our candles are tested for the Maximum Burn Duration the maximum number of hours the candle can last when used with a candle follower. Minimum Burn Duration refers to the initial number of hours the candle burns without dripping wax. Without candle followers, the candle would usually exceed slightly the Minimum Burn Duration but not last till the Maximum Burn Duration. Check individual product descriptions for specific burn times. Burn durations are indicative estimates and can vary.
Does dripping reduce the burn duration?
Yes, when the candle drips, it will lead to loss of integrity in its structure and eventual melt off, drastically reducing the lifespan of a candle. Therefore, do not light the candle for more than three (3) continuous hours to enjoy a longer candle lifespan.
How to store the candles?
Store the beeswax candles in a cool and dry place. Place the candles flat and avoid bending the candles. Keep the candles in the box as exposed candles may change in color and lose its natural odor.
What are the candle burning instructions?
Never leave a candle unattended. Ensure the candlesticks are erected firmly in a tight fitted candle stand to avoid the candle from tipping over. Place the candle far from flammable materials like table cloth and curtains. Never light a candle for more than three (3) continuous hours.
Do you sell candles other than beeswax?
We are specialised in beeswax candles and do not sell candles made from other type of materials like paraffin and soy wax. We are focused in bringing to our customers the brightest and longest burning experience from the purest possible beeswax.
Delivery
What is your standard delivery time?
For local delivery, we would usually deliver 1-2 days after the order is processed.
Exchange & Returns
What is Exchange and Return Policy?
Refer to our Return Policy. We do not refund damaged or used returned goods unless the item is damaged during the courier process.
Contact
How can I contact customer service?
You can reach us through our contact form or email us directly at luxsacracandles@gmail.com. We typically respond within 24 hours.