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Honor Loved Ones: Make a Memory Candle

posted by Annie B. Bond Sep 19, 2006 7:43 am
Honor Loved Ones: Make a Memory Candle
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Adapted from By Candlelight, by Diana Rosen (Storey Books, 2002).

If you want to remember a departed human or animal loved one, the simple act of making a Memory Candle can bring great relief and healing. You can also do this to celebrate someone living, or to mark an important event like a graduation. Either way, the Memory Candle is a beautiful way to honor someone important to you.

1. Decide who you would like to honor in this way: it could be a deceased relative, friend, or companion animal, or someone with whom you have lost contact but still want to remember.

2. Choose a clear glass candle holder–a water tumbler or glass works well.

3. Find a photograph of the person you wish to honor in this way and make a photocopy of it, enlarging or reducing it to fit the height of the candle holder. If you don’t have a photo, you could do a simple drawing or make a photocopy of a memento you associate with that person or animal.

4. Wrap the photocopy around the glass and tape it securely. Place a nontoxic beeswax or soy wax candle in the glass. Place the Memory Candle in a special safe place and light the candle.

4. The soft glow of the candlelight will illuminate the photograph in a very beautiful and special way.

5. You can also pay homage to the living by naming this an “Honor Candle” and using a photograph to celebrate a graduation, marriage, birthday, retirement, anniversary, or other accomplishment of note.

More on Crafts & Hobbies (63 articles available)
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11 comments

By Candlelight

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Diane Guest

I really empathise with Nancy's comments, for me it was an aunt. My eldest daughter suggested that since we couldn't attend the funeral, we chose that time to light a candle and suggested other family members do the same. It did give us a connection and helped us to feel close to her and kept her alive in our hearts.

Mayhre Borrett-brockway

Powerful. A very effective way to honer those important in one's life. I like this.

Kathleen Johnson

I lost a few of my dear relatives recently, my husband included. My grandchildren ages 9-8years, they decided to honor their grandfather with a church service annually and give a token to each family who will be in attendance. This year it was a memoir booklet and believe it or not next year their plans are to give away candles with his name engraved on the holder. I will share your idea with them. we can make many use of it.

Maresa Tedrick

For pets I have lost I have used their collars, favorite toy, etc. to use with a candle lighting ceremony. These items stay with the candle indefinitely.

Nancy Mickevich

It is a very time honored spiritual act to honor someone. Due to a majorly dysfunctional family, I have no pictures of my deceased and beloved grandmother & dad. MY GM birth & death dates are unkown to me as well as where ahe is buried. I finally found my dad's burial place but cant get there. I honor and connet with them with candles and prayers. I resently purchased some inexpensive but lovely personalized memorial stones from Abbey Press. These have so enhanced my ability to grieve and connect by making a true memorial site for both that I can always go to. After all, it is their spirit that we cherish and the flesh is no longer. Use white candles and white flowers. Pray & speak to them- no matter what your spiritual backround. I have such comfort now and a wonderful way to connect to my beloved deceased ones.

Kim S.
  • Kim S. says
  • Jun 25, 2007 3:51 PM

Very sweet idea. I have 2 friends who have lost pets in the last week, and myself included losing a feral kitten i was caregiving for. I have no picture of her, but i will find somthing appropriate, and make one for my friends as well. Very nice idea :)

Emma L.
  • Emma L. says
  • Jun 25, 2007 2:04 PM

Each Samhain, we get together for the little ones to go trick or treating. Before they go out, we have a meal together and I invite our departed loved ones to be with us for the evening. The pictures we take are usually full of orbs. This year, I think I'll use this candle idea, and let each one light a candle for someone they wish to invite. Thanks for sharing!

Rosa Jordan

This gives me many ideas, thank you. I believe this would be an excellent idea while remembering a special someone who is going through pain and suffering during prayer time. It seems to promote more of a sense of closeness.

Gloria S.

this is a very good idea ,I have many friend's who have lost loved one's and I raise bee's so this should be a good gift for them. Thank's for the idea

Diane Robb

I just lost my best friend to Lou Gherig's disease and this is a perfect way to remember and keep her in my heart. I thank you

di

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Adapted from By Candlelight, by Diana Rosen (Storey Books, 2002). Copyright (c) 2002 by Diana Rosen. Reprinted by permission of Storey Books.

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