La Madre | Medium Ceremonial Beeswax Candle

La Madre is a medium sized beeswax candle handmade by the women of Casa Viviana, an artisanal candle-making studio in Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca. Traditionally a ceremonial candle, this special piece can be used on an altar, in a wedding, or on other special occasions.  -approximately 11 inches tall -made of beeswax from Chiapas -available in black, cream, and black and cream Story For multiple generations candles have been an important part of the culture in the Zapotec town of Teotitlan del Valle. Traditionally, candles were used as an offering when asking a woman’s hand in marriage, and on church alters. Casa Viviana is named after Viviana Alavez, a 73 year old woman who has been an integral part of keeping the craft alive in this region. Viviana began learning to make candles when she was eight years old. At that time, candles were not a product sold for money, candle makers worked in a barter system where they exchanged candles for food with the Catholic Church; a practice that