Unique Glass Home Decor

In its original use, a votive could be understood as any object left in a sacred or important place as a kind of ritual. In an ancient context, this act was usually done to somehow appease or gain favor with the gods or other supernatural forces. A more modern and secularized version of this would be throwing pennies or tokens into a fountain for good luck or the granting of wishes. Because the votive offering was often done with a candle, the name “votive” has since become synonymous with the candle itself.

In this way, votives can be understood as small candles, which are most often white. Alternately known as prayer candles, these votives are commonly burned in a votive offering. They can either be burnt in order for your prayer to be acknowledged, or they can be burned in honor of someone who has passed. But these votives are perhaps even more known in a non-religious sense. To that end, they have become a common home décor additive and are housed in a variety of ornate votive candle holders.