Just the word “bayberry” conjures up the fragrance in my mind. Bayberry is one of my favorite scents. It’s a scent I associate with warmth and coziness—and of course, Christmas.
Back in the Hamilton’s day, when candles were mostly made from animal fat, having a scented candle was a luxury. So families like the Hamiltons would have had bayberry candles and used them only for special occasions, like Christmas. They would have been too expensive to use on a daily basis.
There are some interesting beliefs about bayberry candles, bringing good luck. Here’s an anonymous poem that’s been handed down through generations:
“These bayberry candles come from a friend. So on Christmas Eve & New Years Eve burn it down to the end.
For a bayberry candle burned to the socket will bring joy to the heart & gold to the pocket.”
Here's lovely blog post, detailing some of the bayberry history and traditions, as well as how to make bayberry candles.
I’ve always wanted to try to make candles. I tried to make soap once and made a mess of it. Have you had success in making candles or soap?
After reading all the blog entries again (and this was the first blog series I've read), this post about bayberry is my favorite. I'd love to make bayberry candles - I will have to research and see if I can get some bayberries. Thank you.
Mollie, thank you for your research and posts for this blog series. And for finding such good guest contributors. I really enjoyed this series and some of the memories it stirred up. I also enjoyed learning some new things AND for finding some new authors/books to check out. After reading this I will have to learn more about your Eliza Hamilton series, and more about the lady herself.
Wishing you joy and health in 2024.
I made candles about 20 years ago using materials I found on eBay. It was pretty easy. Now I’m sure it’s easier to find the materials.
I've never tried to make candles or soap but both look interesting. I love the scent of candles but don't buy them or light the few I have. I'm very sensitive to scents. So many give me migraines even the "organic" scentsy products affect me.
I tried to buy bayberry candles for my sisters for Christmas a few years ago. They are actually very rare. I will have to check out how to make them though it sounds like a project that might be to difficult.