Wondrous Wax

Candle-making has been in the family of Mexican artist Donã Viviana for 300 years, yet these days she is the one inspiring a new tradition. 

In her hometown, when a young man wishes to propose to his beloved, he not only asks her parents for her hand in marriage but also presents the family with a “marriage candle.”

Doña Viviana invented these candles that have now become a custom in her town. The smooth taper-shaped candles stand up to eight feet tall and can burn for an entire year to symbolize the groom’s commitment to his bride.