“Velas Escamadas”

One of the most common of all the forms that wax takes are candles and candlesticks, for illumination and for religious purposes. Within the Catholic religion, candles are used as a symbol of spiritual offering and represent the light of Christ.

Widely used in churches and religious ceremonies in all Christian countries, they evolved and developed into works of art in Mexico. Ever-present in traditional festivities, candels symbolise the light that sustains the cultural heritage and traditions of the state. Over time, the process of candle-making in Mexico evolved, incorporating new techniques and embellishments. One such development was the addition, to the simple candle, of different ornaments such as wax flowers, leaves and lace (created using clay moulds), which led to the emergence of a distinctive craft known as Velas Escamadas or ‘decorated candles’ (the name coming from the word escamar ‘to work in the form of flakes’). This intricate art form added ornamental beauty to candles, reflecting the creativity and skill of Mexican artisans.

In a magazine of chronicles, one of the most important of the XIX century in Mexico, the beginning of is tradition is described as follows:“It would seem that when the art of waxwork was introduced in this country, the waxmakers limited themselves to working candles for the illumination of the temples; later they began to decorate them with small figures of white or coloured wax, imitating the leaves of plants, and some very simple flowers. Even this small branch of waxwork shows the skill of our waxmakers, for the decorated candles that they call escamadas are some of the finest ornaments that illuminate the altars of our temples”.[1]

It has to be said that there is no certain information on how and when this art arrived in Mexico, and maybe this conference will help shed light on this and bring new information.

The Easter candle itself became a source of inspiration for imaginative liturgical decorations, giving rise to the art of wax craftsmanship in churches. Historically, it is by the XVIII century when the candles used on altars grew increasingly intricate. Initially, this complexity was achieved through carving, followed by the practice of creating detailed ornaments arranged on the central candle to form bouquets.[2] These wax decorations eventually developed into more elaborate structures showcasing the evolving artistry of ecclesiastical candle-making during this period.

Before the Spanish, there were no candles or candlesticks, and it was one of the many customs introduced by the Conquerors. Prior to the Spanish arrival, for illumination the indigenous people used ocote teas, wooden sticks soaked in resin (from the Pinus montezumae).

With the conquest and the introduction of Catholicism, and due to the growing demands of religious activities, the need for a larger supply of wax increased significantly, which could not be met by imports from Spain. This scarcity led the Spanish colonisers in the Yucatan Peninsula to designate wax as a form of tribute.[3]

Therefore, the significance of intricately decorated candles dates back to colonial times. The celebration of religious and popular festivals is deeply embedded in the life of the Mexican people, fostering a sense of cohesion and identity. Among these traditions the craft of wax Velas Escamadas stands out as a prominent practice preserved in various indigenous and mestizo communities. Closely tied to religious and festive cycles, this tradition has endured for over four centuries, with its associated forms of traditional organisation passed down through generations.[4]

[1] Cumplido, Payno, Prieto 1843:25.
[2] Armella de Aspe 1969:42.
[3] Correa 2004:6.
[4] https://www.launion.com.mx/blogs/bajo-el-volcan/noticias/89765-la-