The tradition of bayberry candles dates back to early American colonial times, when resourceful settlers discovered that the waxy coating of bayberries could be harvested to create candles with a clean, pleasant burn. This discovery was precious—it took an enormous number of berries to produce even a small amount of wax, making bayberry taper candles a luxury reserved for the most special occasions.
From this scarcity emerged a beloved saying:Â
"This bayberry candle comes from a friend,
so on Christmas Eve – or New Year's Eve – burn it down to the end.
A bayberry candle burned to the socket
brings joy to the heart and gold to the pocket."
This simple verse captures the essence of the bayberry tradition—the belief that burning these special candles on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve would bring good fortune, health, and prosperity throughout the coming year.

Traditionally, bayberry candles were crafted from natural bayberry wax, which produces a subtle, herbaceous scent reminiscent of evergreens and winter forests. Many modern bayberry candles, like ours, incorporate a beeswax blend to ensure a cleaner, longer burn.
The unique green color of our bayberry candles add a natural element to any holiday décor, whether you're setting a formal dining table or creating a cozy mantelpiece display. Bayberry taper candles, in particular, bring a sense of old-world charm that perfectly complements both traditional and contemporary holiday aesthetics.

To fully embrace this meaningful custom, follow these time-honored steps:
Choose Your Moment: The tradition calls for lighting your bayberry candles on either Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve—the threshold moments when one chapter closes and another begins.
Let Them Burn Completely: The magic lies in allowing your candles to burn all the way down to the socket. This complete burning symbolizes releasing the old year and welcoming abundance in the new one. Safely burn your candles down with our taper candle holders.
Set Your Intentions: As you light your candles, take a moment to reflect on your hopes for prosperity, health, and happiness in the year ahead. The gentle glow creates the perfect atmosphere for mindful contemplation.
Share the Tradition: Bayberry candles make thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Share the legend along with your candles to spread this beautiful tradition to those you love.
As the holidays approach, the Floral Society is proud to offer hand crafted bayberry candles that honor this timeless tradition. Whether you prefer classic bayberry taper candles for your dinner table or pillar candles for a longer burn time, each candle is selected to bring both beauty and meaning to your seasonal celebrations.
Our 9" bayberry candles are made with a natural beeswax blend with a bespoke fragrance of bayberries accented with hints of fir balsam, vanilla, and natural patchouli oil. Our holiday candles embody the quality and craftsmanship that the bayberry tradition deserves and burn drip-free at a rate of approximately 1 hour per inch. Each candle is dipped 35 times for a superior depth of color, and pairs are joined by a braided cotton wick for the cleanest burn.

While bayberry candles shine brightest during the winter holidays, their appeal extends throughout the season. The natural, warm fragrance makes them perfect for:
Holiday entertaining and dinner parties
Seasonal home fragrance without overwhelming scents
Thoughtful hostess gifts throughout November and December
Creating ambiance during long winter evenings
Meaningful holiday rituals that connect us to generations past
There's something deeply satisfying about keeping traditions alive, especially those that connect us to simpler times and remind us of what truly matters. The bayberry candle tradition isn't about superstition—it's about intention, hope, and taking a moment to welcome the new year with grace and gratitude.
This holiday season, let the gentle glow of bayberry taper candles illuminate your home. As the wax melts slowly down and the fragrance fills your space, you're participating in a ritual that has brought comfort and hope to countless families before you.
"A bayberry candle burnt to the socket will bring joy to the heart and gold to the pocket."
May your holidays be bright, your heart be full, and your new year be filled with all the abundance these special candles promise.
Discover Âé¶¹¹ú²ú's collection of bayberry candles to begin your own holiday tradition. Visit us today to find the perfect candles for your seasonal celebrations.
]]>We are so excited to share the tradition of bayberry candles with you this season!
Growing up in New Hampshire, my mom owned a small candle shop - I suppose I’m a 2nd generation candle purveyor of sorts! I remember my mom’s stories of customers who were so excited to find bayberry candles in her shop this time of year, and those who traveled far and wide specifically for these festive tapers to uphold the tradition of exchanging bayberry candles with friends.
Bring good fortune to your home and share well wishes with friends with our hand dipped bayberry candles this holiday!