Illuminating the Holidays: Bayberry Candles and Yuzu Baths
photo by Sahra Samnani of our Myrica ( bayberry ) candle
Some traditions, simple yet profound, carry the whispers of ancient wisdom and a connection to nature. The tradition of bayberry candles and the Japanese yuzu bath remind us to celebrate the season with purpose and mindfulness.
The Rarity of Bayberry Candles
For centuries, bayberry wax has been prized for its clean, bright burn and its naturally woodsy, balsamic scent. Unlike beeswax, bayberry wax comes from the tiny berries of the bayberry shrub, a labor-intensive process.
Candleberry ( bayberry ) received its name from the folks around the 18th century. Used for candle and soap making, it was a much more pleasant wax to work with than tallow. Traditional bayberry candles were made by collecting berries in the fall from the Myrica pensylvanica bush; five pounds of berries could yield about one pound of wax. Because of this small, unpredictable yield, the candles were burned only on special occasions or given as a gifts.
Because of its rarity, bayberry wax was cherished for special holidays like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Lighting a bayberry candle during these times was said to bring health, wealth, and good fortune for the year ahead, symbolized in the timeless rhyme:
“This Bayberry candle is a gift from a friend, On Yuletide Eve burn it down to the end. A Bayberry candle burned down to the socket, Brings luck to the home and wealth to the pocket!
Our Myrica candles are a blend of bayberry and beeswax, honouring this tradition while making the luxury more accessible, but its rarity and time-honoured craftsmanship remain at its core.
This simple act of lighting a candle carries centuries of meaning, symbolizing hope, warmth, and abundance during the darkest nights of the year.
The Harmony of Tradition: Yuzuyu and Wabi-Sabi Bathing Rituals
As winter sets in and the days grow shorter, we are reminded to embrace warmth, reflection, and balance. In Japan, the winter solstice, or Tōji, is a time to celebrate the harmony of life force and prepare the body and mind for the season ahead.
One of the most cherished Tōji traditions is taking a yuzuyu bath—a simple yet profound ritual of floating whole yuzu fruits in hot bathwater. Yuzu, with its bright citrus aroma and natural cleansing properties, symbolizes renewal and vitality.
The practice of yuzuyu is believed to ward off colds, heal the body, and protect against negative spirits during the coldest months. It’s more than just a bath; it’s a moment of connection with the natural world, an act of self-care imbued with centuries of tradition.
The fruit’s natural oils release into the water, creating a soothing and aromatic experience that:
• Boosts circulation to warm the body.
• Acts as a natural exfoliant, softening skin dried by winter’s chill.
• Leaves the mind refreshed and the spirit grounded.
An Onsen Experience at Home
photo of the Smokebird bathing in our Wabi Sabi soak, captured by Freeburds Creative
Inspired by this serene ritual, our Wabi-Sabi Bath Soak is designed to transport you to a Japanese hot spring (onsen) from the comfort of your home. While traditional Japanese baths often incorporate Hinoki wood tubs—prized for their calming, cedar-like fragrance—we’ve blended this essence with notes of magnolia and geranium into our soak alongside magnesium-rich minerals and botanical extracts such as blue algae and butterfly pea flower and sulphur..
Magnesium minerals work to:
• Relax tired muscles.
• Relieve tension.
• Create a sense of renewal and well-being.
The warm citrus notes of yuzu are balanced by Hinoki wood and other natural elements, evoking the sensory experience of a Japanese hot spring, steeped in ritual and meaning.
A Ritual for the Body and Soul
Whether it’s lighting a bayberry candle to honor the holiday season or soaking in a yuzuyu-inspired bath, let the simplicity and beauty of these traditions guide you this winter. helping you find balance, warmth, and renewal—all without leaving home.