Should You Light A Candle On Halloween?
Every year as Halloween approaches, jack-o’-lanterns glowing with candlelight begin appearing on porches across neighborhoods. The familiar sight of flickering candles is a beloved part of Halloween traditions. Yet every year, questions arise about whether it’s safe or recommended to have open flames on a night filled with excited children and flammable costumes. Should we light candles on Halloween or skip them to be on the safe side?
History of Candle Use on Halloween
The history of lighting candles on Halloween dates back to ancient Celtic traditions. According to The Melt Co, “Historically, candles were lit around the house on Halloween to guide wandering spirits back home when the veil between the living and the dead was believed to be at its thinnest.”1
The Celts believed that on October 31st, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead blurred. They lit bonfires and candles to help guide the spirits of deceased loved ones home. The flickering candles also provided comfort and protection from any wandering evil spirits.
Jack-o-lanterns evolved from this tradition. According to Mercattours, “Candles would be lit around the home as a way to guide lost spirits home when the realm between the two worlds was at its thinnest.”2 Carving pumpkins and placing candles inside continued the tradition of using candle light to ward off evil spirits on Halloween night.
Purpose of Candles on Halloween
Candles have been a traditional part of Halloween celebrations for centuries, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. On a practical level, candles provided needed light during the dark autumn nights before electricity. The flickering flames helped create an appropriately eerie, spooky ambience during this festival of the dead.
Symbolically, candles were believed to guide and welcome spirits who visited the world of the living on Halloween. Ancient Celtic cultures honored deceased loved ones and ancestors on the holiday, lighting candles to illuminate their path back home. The Catholic Church eventually integrated this practice into All Saints’ Day traditions, using candles to honor deceased saints and loved ones.
According to Celtic folklore, townspeople also left food offerings outside with a burning candle to appease the wandering spirits and prevent them from playing tricks. The familiar carved jack-o’-lanterns with lit candles inside grew out of this tradition.
So while festive and quaint, the use of candles on Halloween stemmed from solemn beliefs about communing with spirits of the dead. The gentle glow continues to represent remembrance and spirituality during modern celebrations [1].
Safety Concerns
One of the biggest concerns with using candles, either indoor or outdoor, during Halloween is the fire hazard they present. As noted by the Village of La Grange, “If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside jack-o’-lanterns, only use long, fireplace-style matches or utility lighters. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards.” (https://www.villageoflagrange.com/389/Halloween-Safety-Tips)
It’s critical that all open flames are closely supervised, especially around excited children. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service cautions, “Keep an eye on children at all times if they are using candles. Make sure they know how to avoid loose clothing coming into contact with the naked flame.” (https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/halloween-candle-safety/)
Due to the significant fire risks, it’s recommended that battery-operated candles or flashlights be used instead of real candles whenever possible.
Alternatives to Candles
Instead of lighting real candles, there are several safer and more creative alternatives that can help set the Halloween mood. Here are some options:
LED Lights – String lights and LED light strips that glow orange or purple can create a spooky ambiance without an open flame. They’re versatile enough to string along railings, wrap around columns, or place inside jack-o-lanterns. Flickering LED bulbs and candle bulbs can mimic the effect of real candles. Waterproof options allow for outdoor use.[1]
Flashlights – Handheld flashlights can be dimmed and flickered to emulate candles. Place them inside carved pumpkins or Jack-o-lanterns to safely illuminate them. Use colored plastic wrap over the lens to change the mood.[2]
Glow Sticks – Crackable glow sticks come in eerie colors like green and orange. Hide them in pumpkins or place in decorative glassware. They’re affordable and easy for kids to use safely.
Outdoor Candle Use
Outdoor candles, such as luminaries or votives, can add a festive glow to Halloween decorations outside the home. However, it’s important to exercise caution when using real candles outdoors due to potential fire hazards if not handled properly (Sources: https://www.lights.com/outdoor-candles-jack-o-lanterns).
Windy conditions can easily blow out candle flames or tip over luminaries, leaving behind spilled wax and an unattended flame. Using real candles outside also runs the risk of igniting decorative Halloween props, plants or trees, or even the home itself if placed too close to flammable materials. Wax from real candles can also stain or damage outdoor surfaces.
Safety experts recommend using battery-operated flameless candles for outdoor Halloween decorations. These provide the ambience of real candles without the fire risk. Flameless candles are available in weatherproof designs specifically for outdoor use. They won’t blow out or melt in the rain or sun (Sources: https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Flameless-Halloween-Christmas-Decoration/dp/B08V5JC6VY). If real candles must be used outdoors, they should be carefully enclosed in glass containers and placed on non-flammable surfaces away from plants, decorations or structures. Frequent monitoring is advised.
Indoor Candle Use
When using candles inside the home on Halloween, it’s important to follow best practices to ensure fire safety. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends placing candles in stable holders and on sturdy, uncluttered surfaces. Candles should be kept away from curtains, decorations and other combustibles. Adults should not leave burning candles unattended or sleep in a room with lit candles. Children should not be left alone near candles. Extinguish all candles before leaving a room or going to sleep. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly half of home candle fires start in the bedroom. Following basic fire safety tips like keeping candles attended and away from flammables can prevent devastating home fires.
For indoor Halloween candle use, battery-operated candles are a safer alternative. These provide flickering ambience without an open flame. When using real wax candles, choose unscented or mild scented to reduce smoke and soot. Opt for smaller, skinny candles which burn more cleanly and evenly. Properly trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent high, sooty flames. Avoid novelty candles in irregular containers which can cause uneven burning and dripping. Place votive or container candles in non-flammable holders. Follow the manufacturer guidelines for safe burning and proper ventilation.
Supervision of Candle Use
Safety should always be the top concern when using candles, especially around children. It is crucial that candles are never left unattended or used without adult supervision.
The Fox 17 article emphasizes that “Make sure children are supervised at all times when candles are lit.” https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/fire-safety-for-more-treats-than-tricks-this-halloween. Children can easily knock over a lit pumpkin or candle decoration accidentally. An adult should always be present to monitor candle use.
Fireline Corporation also advises that “If children are involved in Halloween festivities, closely supervise their activities to avoid any potential dangers with candles.” https://www.fireline.com/halloween-fire-safety/. Adult supervision is key to preventing injuries or fires.
In summary, candles should never be left unattended when lit, especially around children. Adult supervision is essential to ensure safety. Take proper precautions when using candles for Halloween.
Decorative Candle Options
If you want the ambiance of candles without the open flame, battery-operated, flameless candles are a great option for Halloween decor. These flameless candles mimic the flickering glow of real candles through LED lights, but without the fire danger. You can find flameless candles in all sizes and styles – from small tealights to large pillar candles to candelabras.
Many flameless candle options today look very realistic and provide a spooky glow for Halloween. Brands like Homemory, Luminara, and Shop Succulents make flameless candles that you can reuse year after year. Flameless candles let you decorate safely both indoors and outdoors. Place them in pumpkin buckets on your porch, line your walkway, or cluster them on mantels and tables.
Battery-operated flameless candles give you the Halloween candlelight ambiance without the worry about open flames around kids or flammable decorations. They provide a fun way to decorate for the holiday with LED “candle” light but don’t require supervision like real lit candles do. Flameless candles are an easy, safe, and reusable option for haunted Halloween decor!
Conclusion
In summary, while candles can provide ambiance and festive lighting to Halloween decorations and celebrations, safe and responsible practices are key. Carefully consider where and how candles are used, provide close adult supervision for any open flames around children, and explore battery-operated alternatives for decorative lighting. Extinguish candles before leaving an area unattended, keep them away from flammable objects, and place them in sturdy, tip-resistant holders on flat, stable surfaces. Balancing safety with the desire for atmospheric lighting on Halloween comes down to proper precautions, preparation, vigilance and using common sense.
