Rekindling an old flame

From its original, most basic function of providing light, the candle has come a long, long way.
If it ever languished in obscurity after the discovery of electricity, the candle has long put those days firmly behind and has emerged as a creator of moods and settings for two major pursuits – romance and meditation.
In Vietnam, the candle producing industry has developed well in recent years, offering buyers myriad patterns, colors and fragrances, including lemon, strawberry, lavender, vanilla, jasmine, citronella, and ginger.
More and more people are using candles for aesthetic purposes and as stress relievers in an increasingly urbanized environment.
Some domestic brands have emerged in the candle industry, including Neta Candle in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi’s Vivian Vu Candle.
The companies produce their own hand-made candles that are works of art and import candles from Europe, Thailand and the Republic of Korea.
Traditional candles from foreign countries have won many customers with their beautiful colors, aroma and high quality.
The special candles can be found in luxury malls like Diamond Plaza, Zen Plaza, and Thuan Kieu Plaza in HCMC and are often used in five-star hotels, restaurants, coffee lounges and bars.
With products including more than 500 models such as the pillar candle, taper candle, tealight candle, votive candle, floating candle and container candle, Vivian Vu has emerged as one of the market leaders, popular among locals and expats alike.
As the candle culture spreads, customers can even custom-order candle for gifts on special occasions.
Neta Candle’s colorful and playful patterns are a big draw among the youth, especially on occasions like Halloween, the Lunar New Year Holiday, Valentine’s Day, and Christmas. With many outlets nationwide, Neta is also a familiar name among candle lovers.
Customers can visit Vivian Vu at 60 Kim Ma Street, Ba Dinh District, in Hanoi and Neta at 216 Huynh Van Banh Street, Phu Nhuan District in HCMC. Online orders can be placed at Neta’s blog http://blog.360.yahoo.com/neta_artcandle.