Lighting the Earth Candles

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03.02.2026

Marking the Seasons

Tradition has it that the wax used is from the stub ends of the candles used through the darkest part of the year. The melted wax is poured into a small depression in ground. The hardy members of the community gathered in the rain to pour the candles in the later morning. Then, at sunset, everyone returned to light the candles, again in the rain.

According to the folklore, if it is raining then Winter is on the wane… so this was a good sign?

The folklore probably is a reference to rain versus snow, rather than rain versus dry. If snow is on the ground, rain accelerates any thaw more than dry weather alone might.

Here at Corbenic, we can see the seasons changing by looking to the hills. The snow line provides a visual thermometer and guides what clothes to wear for workshop.

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