Walnut Boats
Traditionally these boats are made to celebrate Candlemas or Imbolc. Two festivals that are celebrated at the beginning of February, exactly half way between the winter solstice and the spring equinox which celebrate the lengthening days and the early signs of Spring. Like all good things, fire and lighting candles are always involved in the celebrations.
In the Czech Republic walnut shell candles are a typical Christmas decoration. Each family member places their walnut candle in to a basin of water and it is thought that how the candle moves or what it does can depicts the year ahead.
I think these are perfect for any winters day and easy to make at home with your family or loved ones. We would often make walnut boats when our children were little, they are a lovely, cosy table decoration for when the nights draw in.
What you’ll need:
Walnuts
Small unscented candles or birthday candles
A bowl and pan to melt the wax or microwave
Carefully crack open the shells, scoop out and eat the walnuts! Place shells in a wide bowl filled with rice to hold them still.
Chop up some old candles and either melt in a heatproof bowl over hot water or put in the microwave for a few seconds.
Pour melted wax in to the walnut shells and allow to cool until the wax is soft but not hot. Place the birthday candles in to the middle of the wax. You may need to top up the wax so that it’s at the very top of the shell. Allow to wax to set. Once set, trim the candles to around 2 cm ( any taller and the boats won’t float).
Fill a bowl (or sink) full of cold water, light the candles in the walnut boats and allow them to float around. A boat race is always good too!
