What Is The 84 Candle Rule?

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The 84 candle rule is a guideline commonly recommended for beginner candle makers. It states that when first starting out in candle making, one should not attempt to make candles with more than 84 wicks.

The origin of the rule can be traced back to experienced candle makers offering advice for novices. According to the Armatage Candle Company, an established candle business, the 84 candle rule emerged as a simple formula to follow for those learning the candle making process [1]. It was intended to ensure beginners did not take on too much at once before mastering techniques.

The purpose of the rule is to set reasonable expectations for new candle makers. Making candles with 84 wicks or less helps beginners safely practice fundamental skills like wax preparation, wick sizing, proper wick spacing, pour temperatures, cooling methods, and testing burns. Once these skills are developed through experience with smaller batches, candle makers can then scale up production.

Calculating 84 Candles Per Cake

The 84 candle rule is based on having enough candles to represent each year of the birthday person’s life. Since most cakes come in standard round sizes like 8, 10, or 12 inches, some math is required to calculate how to properly divide and arrange 84 candles.

For example, on a 10-inch cake which has about 80 square inches of surface area, you’d need to fit 84 candles total. If using regular birthday candles that are about 1 inch wide, you’d need to round up to have 8-9 candles per cake “row”, with about 10 rows circling the cake. This ensures there are enough candles to symbolize each year of life for the 84-year-old.

If using a smaller 8-inch cake, you may need to round down to 6-7 candles per row, and instead have 12 rows. The goal is to cover the entire cake with 84 total candles, rounding up or down as needed based on cake size and candle size.

The general formula is to divide the cake’s surface area by the candle size to determine how many candles fit per row. Then divide 84 candles by the candles-per-row to get the number of rows needed. Round up or down as necessary to get to 84 total.

Symbolism of the Number 84

The number 84 holds special meaning and symbolism, particularly when it comes to numerology and spirituality. In numerology, the number 84 breaks down to 8+4=12, and 1+2=3. The number 3 is associated with creativity, self-expression, optimism and joy. It’s considered a lucky and abundant number.

In terms of angel numbers, 84 is considered a message from your guardian angels. Angel number 84 symbolizes a time of profound personal growth and development. According to astrology.com, your angels are encouraging you to embrace your innate talents and spiritual gifts to guide you on your life path. The repeating number 84 is a sign you are on the right track towards your higher purpose.

Some associate 84 with new beginnings and detachment from the past. The number 84 represents wisdom, forgiveness, and releasing situations or mindsets that no longer serve your highest good. It’s a sign to move forward with optimism and an open heart. Biblically, 84 may connect to themes of reconciliation, atonement, and spiritual awakening.

The number 84 also has symbolic meaning in numerological compatibility and relationships. It indicates a strong, deep spiritual and emotional bond between partners. Seeing 84 may suggest you’ve met your twin flame or soulmate. Overall, 84 is considered a positive and uplifting sign of alignment with your true self and soul purpose.

Following the 84 Candle Rule Today

The 84 candle rule has its origins in earlier 20th century Western culture, when life expectancies were lower than today. With people now commonly living into their 80s, 90s and beyond, the tradition of limiting candles on a cake to a person’s age is no longer as relevant or practical.

While some individuals and families continue to follow the 84 candle rule for sentimental reasons, it is far less widely observed today. Modern cakes often feature decorative designs rather than rows of candles, making it impractical to include 84 or more. Concerns about fire hazards from so many burning candles are another reason for foregoing a strict candle count.

There are a few modern variations on the rule. Some limit candles to the individual’s age up to 50 or 60. Others ignore specific numbers and just ensure an “abundance” of candles for major milestones over 80. While cakes with 80+ candles make memorable photos, most focus more on celebration than counting every year.

In the end, the 84 candle rule is left to personal preference. Following it can be meaningful for some, but most see it as an outdated tradition not worth reviving in full. The spirit remains in commemorating major milestones, but the specific number no longer holds the power it once did.

Age Milestone Cakes

Certain ages are considered major milestones, which call for special celebratory cakes. Two of the most iconic milestone birthday cakes are for the sweet 16 and the 50th birthday.

A sweet 16 cake celebrates a teenager’s passage into young adulthood. These cakes are often lavishly decorated with the number 16, the birthday girl or boy’s name, flowers, cars, or other interests. Popular sweet 16 cake flavors include vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, and funfetti. The cakes are usually multi-tiered with vibrant colors and decorations.

The 50th birthday is considered a hallmark age representing the transition into the second half of life. Milestone cakes for the 50th reflect this through symbols of wisdom like owls, elegant gold accents, and recognition of aging gracefully. Some popular flavors for 50th birthday cakes are spice, carrot, lemon, and chocolate.

Other milestone ages that warrant special birthday cakes include:

First birthday “smash cakes”
Quinceañera cakes for a girl’s 15th birthday
18th birthday cakes marking adulthood
21st birthday cakes, often with an alcohol theme
30th birthday cakes recognizing this big milestone
40th birthday cakes, sometimes with “over the hill” themes
75th and 80th birthday cakes honoring a long life

While the 16th, 50th, and 100th birthdays have the most established cake traditions, any age can be commemorated with a special cake if it holds personal significance.

Alternative Rules and Guidelines

While the 84 candle rule is a common tradition, there are other guidelines people follow for birthday candles. One popular alternative is the height rule, where the number of candles equals the birthday person’s height in inches. So someone who is 60 inches tall would get 60 candles.

The height rule has some benefits compared to the age rule. It often results in fewer candles, which reduces safety risks and is more practical. Large numbers of candles can cause excessive melting, dripping, and heat. The height rule also scales better for milestone birthdays past 100. At a certain point, having dozens or hundreds of candles becomes impractical.

However, the age rule has symbolism and tradition on its side. Birthdays represent the passing of time and achievement of another year. It’s a rite of passage celebrating the birthday person’s experience. So strictly following their age has meaning. The height rule disconnects the candles from their age-related significance.

In the end, following any rule too legalistically can ruin the celebratory spirit. The number of candles should balance meaningfulness with practicality. The core purpose is honoring the person’s birthday, not rigidly sticking to a numerical guideline. As long as the message comes across, flexibility and common sense on candle quantities can help create a special moment.

Safety Considerations

When following the 84 candle rule for milestone birthday cakes, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Lighting 84 or more candles on a cake can pose fire hazards if not done carefully. The number of burning candles can quickly release high heat and melt or ignite flammable decorations or tablecloths. There is also risk of burns if someone gets too close.

To mitigate risks, use short, skinny candles placed a safe distance apart. Avoid long taper candles clustered together. Also be sure the cake is on a non-flammable surface away from table edges. Have a fire extinguisher or baking soda on hand to quickly extinguish flames if needed. Consider numbering candles in groups of 5 or 10 to reduce the number of individual flames. Sing “Happy Birthday” quickly then have the guest of honor blow them out promptly. Station people nearby with plates or lids ready to smother any candles that relight.

With some precautions, the 84 candle tradition can safely continue for many more memorable milestone birthdays.

Memorable Cakes with 84+ Candles

Some of the most memorable cakes in history have featured well over 84 candles. These record-setting cakes celebrate monumental birthdays and special occasions.

In 2019, the town of Celebration, Florida baked a cake with over 100 candles to honor resident Trudy Hershberger’s 113th birthday. Hershberger is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person to have a cake decoration with candles denoting the celebrant’s age (source).

The oldest person to ever blow out birthday candles was Emma Morano of Italy, who blew out candles marking her 117th birthday shortly before passing away in 2017. Her layered sponge cake was decorated with a single large 117 candle on top (source).

These record-setting cakes with 100+ candles celebrate the remarkable lives of centenarians and supercentenarians around the world. They showcase the enduring tradition of marking birthdays with cake and candles, no matter a person’s advanced age.

Notable 84th Birthdays

Turning 84 is a major milestone worth celebrating. Over the years, many famous figures have marked their 84th birthday in memorable ways. Famous 84th birthday celebrations often involve family, close friends, and community gatherings. Some make headlines for their lavish and over-the-top parties.

For example, according to https://www.famousbirthdays.com/age/84.html, director Francis Ford Coppola marked his 84th in grand style with a multi-day celebration at his winery in Napa Valley in 2022. Other big celebrity 84th birthday bashes have included Clint Eastwood, Bob Dylan, and Tony Bennett.

Beyond the famous, there are many great ways to make an 84th birthday special for family and friends. Some ideas include hosting a dinner party, taking a special trip, sharing memories over a photo album, or throwing a surprise bash. Themes like “84 years young” and “84 and fabulous” help set a festive mood. With creativity and love, any 84th birthday can be unforgettable.

The Future of the 84 Candle Rule

As birthday celebrations evolve over time, the future of the 84 candle rule remains uncertain. Some experts predict this tradition may fade away as concerns over fire safety and hygiene grow. For example, blowing out candles spreads germs, especially risky during viral outbreaks (source). Many are switching to novel alternatives like extinguished candles with a wave or individual cupcakes to avoid this.

However, the symbolism behind lighting candles and making a wish remains meaningful for many. The tradition connects us to past generations. While the specifics may change, birthday wishes over candles seem here to stay. Cakes are becoming more personalized with names, photos, and designs suited to each individual. Though capping at 84 candles made sense historically, future centenarians will require adaptations. The spirit of celebrating milestone ages persists, but safety and innovation will shape new candle customs.

What Is The 84 Candle Rule?