Party Accessories: 5 Questions About Magic Candles
For the holidays, weddings or birthdays, if you're looking for a way to decorate a cake or enhance your photo memories, consider the sparkler! With its cheerful sparks, this little party accessory is sure to put on a show. We explain how to use sparklers in 5 questions.
1- What is a sparkler?
A magic wizard or sparkler in English can be defined as a small pyrotechnic accessory for parties.
It comes in the form of a wand about twenty centimeters long coated with a pyrotechnic material.
It is composed of a metal rod covered with a paste imprisoning metallic particles essential to the formation of sparks.
When the candle is lit, it slowly burns up, projecting golden or multicolored sparks all around it . This is where the magic happens!
The show of these miniature fireworks lasts more or less time depending on the length of the stem and the composition of the candle. It is possible to find long lasting magic candles in stores and on the Internet.
2- What is the difference with a Bengal fire?
Magic sparklers should not be confused with other forms of fireworks that are not designed to be hand-held.
A sparkler is often confused with a bengal fire, but the latter produces a much more powerful flame for several seconds or minutes.
Unlike sparklers, Bengal fireworks must therefore absolutely be placed on the ground or on a cake.
3- How to light a sparkler?
To properly use a sparkler, simply light it with a match or lighter exactly like a candle.
If you want to plant sparklers on a stand like a birthday or wedding cake, first position them properly before lighting them.
This is because you need to make sure you space them far enough apart so that the sparklers and other decorations don't get in the way of each other.
You can also hold the candle in your hand when you light it and when it burns down, as its sparks will not burn the skin.
4- Are magic candles dangerous?
The particularity of a sparkler is that it is possible to hold it in the hand during a beautiful photo session for example.
Unlike fireworks and Bengalwood, magic candles do not burn the skin and do not hurt the hands, provided you do not touch the burning part.
The sparks that are thrown around the stem are harmless because they are very fine and cool very quickly. The main danger is sparks being thrown into the eyes. So use them carefully and keep them away from your face.
You should also avoid pointing them at other people and at flammable materials such as paper or cloth. Hold them carefully during a party or wedding as it would be a shame if a spark were to burn the wedding dress or other party attire.
For the same reason, it is dangerous to use these sparklers on a Christmas tree, whether natural or artificial.
These pyrotechnic accessories can be used outdoors and indoors, provided that the room is ventilated because their combustion gives off acrid smoke containing chlorine and microparticles.
5- When should I use sparklers?
Magic sparklers are very simple to use and much less dangerous accessories than real fireworks to bring a touch of enchantment to a party.
You can light them on many occasions, for example for a birthday, at a wedding or New Year's Eve on December 31.
In India and all countries where Hindus celebrate Deepavali (the festival of light), these candles are lit at nightfall to celebrate Rama's return to Ayodhya and light his way.
With their golden sparks, sparklers are also very useful to enhance a portrait or a group photo. Just wait for the evening and ask your models to hold up this miniature firework while taking a picture: wow effect guaranteed!
