Have you ever wondered what it means for a candle to burn slowly on a Day of the Dead altar? Well you see, just like the rest of the elements that make up the offerings of this colorful and nostalgic Mexican traditionthere is a reason why the wax in a candle melts at a slower rate compared to others and here we are going to tell you about it.

What does it mean when a candle burns slowly on a Day of the Dead altar?

The candles in the offerings play a vital role because they are in charge of light the way that the souls from the afterlife must follow to return to the land of the living and live with their loved ones again.

Unlike marigold flowers, which also serve as a visual and olfactory guide to the route designated for the reunion between the two worlds, each candle corresponds to one of the remembered souls. That is, for each deceased a piece of light is placed to guide their own steps.

Therefore, the behavior of each cylinder of white, odorless wax has a different behavior. While some melt quickly and homogeneously, others follow an uneven fall at a slow pace.

The explanation of the second case is that the soul of the called person is delaying in arriving at his offeringso it needs the flame to stay lit for longer. Why this strange phenomenon happens does not have a simple reason, but rather it is a particular issue for each deceased, which can range from physical disability, personality or borderline problems.

So, now that you know what it means for a candle to burn slowly on a Day of the Dead altar, don’t be terrified if any of the candles in your offering take longer to burn down. Give your loved one time to follow their path to you at your own pace.