There is something satisfying about lighting a candle at the end of the day.
The big light goes off. A lamp comes on. You strike a match and wait a second for the wick to catch. The room hasn't changed. It just feels nicer.
You might light one while dinner is still being cleared away, before getting into the bath, or when you've finally got the living room to yourself. There doesn't need to be an occasion. Sometimes Tuesday evening will do.
“Some evenings start with nothing more than turning down the lights and striking a match.”
A Small Evening Ritual
Every home has its little signs that the day is winding down. Curtains close. Shoes have somehow gathered near the door. The last cup gets carried back to the kitchen.
And somebody finally turns off that big light nobody wanted on in the first place.
Then the candle gets lit.
You don't have to stop what you're doing. There may still be dishes in the sink. A television is playing somewhere. Someone is looking for the charger they left in the room five minutes ago.
Life is still happening. The candle just makes the room feel a little warmer while it does.
The Scents We Remember
Then there is the fragrance.
You may choose vanilla because it reminds you of something baking. Cedar because you like that warm, woody smell. Citrus because it makes the room feel fresh.
After a while, you barely notice the scent in your own home. Visitors do.
Then one day you're somewhere completely different a hotel, a shop, somebody else's house and you smell it again. For a second, you're back in your own room.
Funny how a scent can do that.
Let the Evening Arrive
By now dinner is finished. The curtains are closed. The cup beside you has probably gone cold.
Tomorrow has enough time to be busy. Tonight, the candle is still burning.
So leave the dishes for another few minutes. Make another cup of tea if the first one went cold. And enjoy your evening.
The big light can stay off.
