Ask a random sampling of people on the street to imagine a candle, and odds are the image that will pop into their heads will be a pillar candle. Among the various forms of candles, including jars, cones, and votives, the pillar candle remains the paradigm for what a candle should look like. The pillar candle is a shorter, and sometimes squatter version of the classic candlestick, and will burn in much the same manner, losing height as its wax (soy or otherwise) burns away.

This literal burning down might be the source of the pillar candle's metaphorical power, a long-lasting but steadily disappearing representation of anything from war to peace, life, love, and happiness. Due to this, pillar candles have a long history of use in many ceremonies, both secular and religious. In Christianity the candle is commonly used in worship, both for decoration and ambiance, and as symbols to represent the light of God or, specifically, the light of Christ. Pillar candles are similarly important in Judaism. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by lighting a candle in a special candelabrum (Chanukkiyah) each night during the eight-day holiday to commemorate the dedication of the altar in the Temple in Jerusalem.

More and more, secular and religious groups are coming to recognize the advantages of soy candles over traditional paraffin candles and are starting to incorporate them in to their lives. Soy pillar candles are available in a wide array of sizes, colors, and scents. The versatility of soy wax allows for many designs and patterns, all of which will burn cleanly with virtually no smoke or soot. For safety, soy pillar candles should always be shielded by a heat resistant candle pan or saucer, and the wick should be kept trimmed to 1/4 inch before each use.

Soy pillar candles have many serious advantages over other types of candles, and in many ways are the easiest types of candles to burn and manage.  Pillar candles have sturdy and stable bases, and so as long as you place them on a ceramic or stone base, they will burn with very little risk.  Many pillar candles, if they are well made, will not even drip wax onto the base that you choose.  This is not the case with many other types of candles - votive candles, for example, burn quickly and generally leave a lot of mess in and around your candle holder.  Taper candles, which are tall and thin, can drip a lot of wax onto and around the candle holder, and, due to their shape, can easily be knocked over, causing a fire.  Therefore, these sorts of candles need to be carefully monitored.

Jar candles are just as safe as pillar candles, but are harder to burn.  Once they burn down to a certain point, you will need a special type of lighter to light the wick, as the jar will make it difficult to use a conventional lighter.  Pillar candles do not have any of these downsides.  They are difficult to knock over, easy to light throughout their lifetime, and they generally contain a large amount of wax and burn for a very long time.  Therefore, pillar candles are a great investment.

Soy pillar candles are possibly the best type of candle to purchase if you want something that is easy to use, safe, and releases clean, healthy smoke and very little soot.  Furthermore, if your soy pillar does end up dripping wax onto a surface, you can just clean it up with soap and water, which is a whole lot easier than cleaning up spilled parrafin wax!  More and more, candle manufacturers are recognizing the demand for natural soy candles in all kinds of shapes, and are producing a wide variety of styles, scents, and colors for you to choose from.  Next time you go to purchase a pillar candle, try out one that is made of soy - you're sure to enjoy the experience!