Purple candle: symbolism, traditions, purple hues and safety tips

Violet or purple?

Violet (a mix of blue and red) has a history of its own. In Antiquity, the dye known as “purple” was extracted from sea snails called murex: thousands were needed to dye a single garment. The Phoenicians, notably those of Tyre, made it famous. Rare and costly, purple became a sign of power: in Rome, senators wore purple stripes, and from the 4th century onward only the emperor was allowed to wear Tyrian purple. This is where the idea that violet is a “royal” colour comes from.

Today, the violet of candles is a simple synthetic dye, easy to produce. Deep violets, however, need a lot of dye and can, depending on quality, clog the wick. Some shades fade in daylight: store them out of the sun.

One purple for everyone: mauveine

For centuries, violet was a luxury. That changed in 1856, when the young British chemist William Perkin, aged eighteen, discovered mauveine by chance while trying to make a medicine: it was the first synthetic dye produced on a large scale. Within a few years, violet had become affordable, to the point of shaping the fashion of the day. This is one reason why purple candles are available today at every price.

Traditional symbolism

Violet has been, in turn, the colour of power (emperors, Catholic bishops), of penance and of spirituality. In Japan, it was reserved for the elite at certain periods. It also carries darker reputations: in the theatre, in France, an old superstition holds that violet brings bad luck, to the point that many actors avoid wearing it. This superstition has no foundation; it is one of those trade beliefs passed down without anyone knowing why.

In rites

In the Roman Catholic liturgy, violet is the colour of Advent and Lent, two periods of preparation and penance; it may also be used for funerals. In the Advent wreath, three candles are violet and one (the third) is pink in many parishes (see the pink candle). Bishops wear violet vestments. Some Protestant and Anglican churches follow a similar practice, with local variations.

Contemporary practices and correspondences

In modern esoteric tables, violet is linked to intuition, spirituality, meditation and imagination. The crown chakra (sahasrara) is associated with violet (or white) in Western systems. Some authors see wisdom in it, others transformation. Here again, the tables differ.

These correspondences are recent traditions, with no scientific validation.

Violet, lilac, mauve: close words

The vocabulary of purples is rich: mauve (from the mallow flower), lilac, lavender, plum, aubergine, purple. In shops, a “lavender” candle is most often a pale lilac, and a “plum” candle a deep violet. Pale shades pose few problems when burning; dark shades need more dye. The word “lavender” also refers to the fragrance: it is not always tied to the colour, and a lilac candle may smell of orange blossom or vanilla.

How to use it

• Advent and Lent: for those who follow the Christian calendar, the violet candles of the wreath.
• A moment of meditation: the flame, for a few minutes, in a room without draughts, with slow breathing.
• Decor: violet pairs well with white, silver and soft green.
• Lavender scent: the most common fragrance for violet candles, strongly associated with Provence.

Choosing and using safely

• Lavender and animals: some essential oils, lavender among them, are poorly tolerated by cats. Ask a veterinarian for advice.
• Fragrance and allergies: the label lists allergens. If you are sensitive, choose an unscented candle.
• Dark shades: avoid candles that blacken the glass or the wall.
• General rules: never leave unattended, use a stable holder, keep the wick at about 6 mm, stop at about 1 cm of wax, and extinguish before going to bed.

See also the overview guide to candle colours.

Frequently asked questions

Also read

The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Guide to candle colors.