Real
Artificial
Neither
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Artificial candles are better if you only want the aesthetic of a wax candle, without the wax melting, the heat of a flame or the need to snuff the flame out. Because they don't generate heat, they are cool to the touch and not a fire hazard.
However, because there is no fire to melt wax, they also don't shrink in size or put themselves out, when the fuel is exhausted. Real candles are not only a centerpiece, they are also a timepiece; unless you replace the candle, it doesn't regrow, so you can always get a sense that "some time has passed", based on how much of the candle has disappeared.
Artificial candles are literally timeless because, in theory, they don't age or expire, but that artifice creates a disconnect between its function and its presentation: we can make light emission devices look like basically anything at this point, but we continue to revisit the visage of the "wax candle" because of its historical connotation of "comfort" and "warmth". We know what fire is and does, we know what wax is, and we also know what happens when the two meet. Making a device that produces light and has the impression of being a facsimiled rendition of a light source from ages past, being made of a material that looks like it should melt but doesn't, tends to produce an alien experience.
You can't roast a marshmallow with an artificial candle (unless they generate heat, too), or use the melted wax to seal letters (you say that you've never done that, but it's only because you don't have a signet ring; get one, and you'll find yourself writing letters to people you haven't thought of in years, just to have an excuse to use it. You can even make one yourself- mine has a baby swan, because I'm easily amused by stupid jokes that no one else gets- for bonus points).
On the other hand, you can't pull off the "unblow-outable candles on a cake" prank with wax ones, unless the person has puny lungs.
If real they have to be natural or I react immediately. I like to set up a number of artificial. Including solar powered that come on automatically at dusk.
Real ones. I might have a slight obsession with those scented candles... 😶
Opinion
23Opinion
Real candles for me. I'm not really a romantic type in the orthodox sense, but my wife digs that. So on special occasions I dress up all nice, style my hair, and light some real candles while making her some fancy dinner I got in an Escoffier cookbook. Real deal as I see it; see's cheesy like that. I tend to ruin the mood a little bit here and there with my jokes. But she likes the real candles; she can tell the difference. I make it fancy for her.
* She's cheesy like that.
There is a ritual around a candle, you have to unwrap it, feel it, smell it, light it, watch the flame flicker, take care of the soot or wax, it's a pleasure and pain, but it's completely different than an artificial candle which is basically a light bulb.
Candles are a big fire hazard. Also breathing in burning materials is not good for you. I would say neither.
I love real candles, I make my own too! I love making them and my own soap, but I enjoy making different scents and stuff.
I absolutely adore having real gorgeous smelling fragrance ones, and actually have them all around the house.
Artificial candles are the best. They remind me of my grandmother's house and make me feel safe and relaxed instead of worried that something will catch on fire.
You can't beat a real candle especially a nice scented one.
Not sure how to answer your poll because I love the smell of vanilla candles, but they smell rank once lit,
Neither. I like those scented things that work like incense but without burning it they just sit in it as the stick soaks up and produces the smell.
I never even knew that artificial candles exist! Those seem fun. And possible safer also, depending on how they work.
Real. My girlfriend laughs because I enjoy going to bath and body works for their many scented candles
Real candles
Always loved the risk of having them near me 🥰
Real. Especially scented.
I have soany different smelling candles
Mostly real, but for safety reasons I have both now.
I use artificial because I am too lazy to clean the wax and dust. Also great during hurricanes and general power outages.
Real ones since they give off a better intimate scent. @Cherry234
Its a fire hazard, so no.
No real ones at least but I dont like either.
You mean, candles that use light bulbs?
A battery turns on the flame?
Interesting! Okay but, what gives off the light?
There's no bulb?
I prefer real and French vanilla scented
candles connected to your phone... ? lol
Real. They are more fancy.
Always the real ones! Plus a good smell 👌
Real is always better with most things
I have always preferred real
Real candles
real ones… they’re cozier and smell amazing
I like Real Candles
Real
Real Candles
Just the real deal.
.3rd
fire hazard
Real
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