Beginner’s Guide to Warosoku: How to Use Japanese Candles A soft, wavering light once defined the atmosphere of traditional Japanese temples, serene tea rooms, and thoughtfully curated homes. This was the gentle flame of the warosoku (和ろうそく), the traditional Japanese candle. More than just a source of light, the warosoku is a piece of living history, a craft object that invites a moment of peace and contemplation. However, in modern Japan, encountering this traditional flame is exceptionally rare. The warosoku has become a precious and seldom-used artifact. This traditional craft is facing severe modern challenges. Warosoku are significantly more expensive than their Western counterparts, driven by the soaring costs of raw materials. Furthermore, each candle must be painstakingly handcrafted by a shrinking number of artisans, severely limiting production. The price has become so high that while some prominent temples, like Kiyomizu-dera (temple), continue to use them to uphold tradition, the vast majority of temples – their most traditional users – reportedly no longer use warosoku for their daily rituals. Using one, therefore, is a rare experience and quite different from using an average candle. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from its unique materials to the mindful process of lighting and extinguishing the flame, ensuring you can fully appreciate this precious Japanese tradition. What Makes Warosoku Special? First, what sets a Japanese candle apart? Unlike Western paraffin candles, traditional warosoku are crafted from 100% plant-based materials. Wax: The most traditional wax is derived from the berries of the haze (sumac) tree. This haze wax gives the candles a natural, slightly creamy texture and a very clean burn. However, it’s important to note that due to the high cost and scarcity of haze wax, very few makers today produce candles made from 100% haze. Many warosoku now blend haze wax with other plant-based waxes, such as rice bran wax, to make them more accessible while maintaining their clean-burning properties. Wick: The wick is the heart of the warosoku. It’s made by wrapping a hollow tube of washi (Japanese paper) around a core of dried rush (igusa). This unique hollow structure allows air to flow through, creating a taller, brighter, and more dynamic flame that dances and flickers mesmerizingly. The Flame: The characteristic wavering of the flame is known as 1/f yuragi, a type of fluctuation found in nature that is said to induce a state of relaxation. Performance: Because they are all-natural, warosoku produce very little soot or smoke, making them ideal for use indoors. How to Use Your Warosoku: A Step-by-Step Guide Using a warosoku is a deliberate and mindful process. Follow these steps to do it correctly and safely. 1. Choosing the Right Candle Stand (Shokudai) A proper stand, or shokudai (燭台), is essential for safety and stability. Material: Always choose a stand made from non-flammable materials like iron, brass, or ceramic. Stability: Ensure the base is heavy and stable to prevent it from tipping over. The Spike: Traditional warosoku have a small hole in their base. The shokudai must have a sharp metal spike that fits securely into this hole, holding the candle upright. Make sure the spike is the correct size for your candle. Gently press the candle onto the spike; never force it, as the wax can crack. 2. How to Light the Candle This is a key difference from Western candles. Don’t light the tip: Hold the candle horizontally. Light the base of the wick: Bring your flame (a match is traditional) to the area where the wick emerges from the wax. Let the wax melt: Allow the flame to melt a small pool of wax around the wick. This helps the candle draw fuel and establish a steady flame. Set it upright: Once the flame is stable, carefully place the candle onto its shokudai. 3. Trimming the Wick (Shinkiri) As a warosoku burns, the wick doesn’t burn away completely. Instead, it leaves behind a carbonized “head.” If left untrimmed, the flame can become too large or sputter. About once an hour (depending on the candle size), you will need to perform shinkiri (芯切り), or wick trimming. Using a special pair of wick trimmers or long tweezers, gently pinch and remove the blackened, mushroom-shaped tip of the wick. This will restore the flame to its ideal, beautiful shape. 4. How to Extinguish the Flame Never blow out a warosoku with your breath. In Buddhist tradition, the breath is seen as impure, and blowing out a flame offered at an altar is considered disrespectful. Furthermore, it can spray hot wax. Instead, use one of these methods: A Candle Snuffer (Hikeshi): This is the safest and most elegant method. Simply place the bell-shaped snuffer over the flame to cut off the oxygen supply. Wick Pinchers (Shintsumami): Use a special tool to gently pinch the wick itself, starving the flame of fuel. Fanning: Gently wave your hand back and forth to create a breeze that extinguishes the flame. Never blow out a warosoku with your breath. In Buddhist tradition, the breath is seen as impure, and blowing out a flame offered at an altar is considered disrespectful. Furthermore, it can spray hot wax. Instead, use one of these methods: A Candle Snuffer (Hikeshi): This is the safest and most elegant method. Simply place the bell-shaped snuffer over the flame to cut off the oxygen supply. Wick Pinchers (Shintsumami): Use a special tool to gently pinch the wick itself, starving the flame of fuel. Fanning: Gently wave your hand back and forth to create a breeze that extinguishes the flame. Below is the way to extinguish the flame using Wick Pinchers. Enjoying the Warosoku Experience Given their precious and rare nature, warosoku are perfect for turning an ordinary moment into a special one. They are increasingly popular for creating a calming atmosphere at home for those moments when you truly want to unwind. Meditation and Yoga: The gentle, natural flickering of the flame is perfect for focusing the mind. Relaxing Baths: Place a candle safely by the tub (on a stable, non-flammable surface) to create a spa-like retreat. Special Dinners: The warm, orange-hued light of a warosoku casts a beautiful glow, creating an intimate dining experience. By understanding the unique properties and correct handling of warosoku, you can safely introduce a rare and timeless piece of Japanese craftsmanship into your life, bringing with it a moment of tranquility and a warm, dancing light. → Explore real Warosoku here.