The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

WISH CANDLES

WISH CANDLES ARE SMALL INDIVIDUAL FLOATING CANDLES THAT ARE MADE
FOR CEREMONIES AND SET AFLOAT ON LAKES. DURING THE CEREMONY, THE
PARTICIPANTS SET THEM OUT ON THE WATER FROM DOCKS OR SHORELINES AT
THE SAME TIME AND MAKE WISHES.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID THAT WISH CANDLES ARE USED IN CEREMONIES AS A
QUIET THOUGHTFUL ACTIVITY.
THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE CEREMONY OFTEN LINGER ON THE BEACH AND
WAIT FOR ALL THE CANDLES TO GO OUT.
THE INFORMANT LEARNED OF WISH CANDLES AT CAMP, AND BECAME VERY
SENTIMENTAL AS SHE SPOKE OF A LAKE COVERED WITH LITTLE FLAMES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WIXOM

Date learned: 02-07-1980 ; 00-00-1974