A trick candle, also known as magic candle, is a novelty candle capable of relighting itself. By igniting magnesium inserted into the wick of the candle, the paraffin vapor given off when a candle is blown out can be set alight, allowing the candle to reignite itself.[1]

A man attempting to blow out trick candles on a cake

Trick candles were banned in Canada in 1977.[2] They present a fire risk in that consumers may throw them into the trash believing them to have been extinguished, only for the candles to relight.[3] A spokesperson for the National Candle Association recommends immersing the candles in water for a while before discarding them.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "How do trick birthday candles work?". How Stuff Works. 11 July 2000. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
  2. ^ Canada, Health (2008-08-12). "Information for Canadians Travelling Outside of Canada". aem. Retrieved 2019-11-08.
  3. ^ a b "Why are trick candle flames so impossible to blow out? | August 9, 2010 Issue - Vol. 88 Issue 32 | Chemical & Engineering News". cen.acs.org. Retrieved 2019-11-08.