light.

Perhaps that is the reason why locals are snapping up candles in all shapes and sizes off store shelves around the Island.

And as the most romantic day of the year approaches, store owners are preparing for brisk business.

For any Valentine will tell you, candles are a relatively inexpensive way to set cast an amorous spell over your loved one.

Rosalind Ray of Tigaila Candle store, in the Walkway on Reid Street, said that when she did the market research for her store, there was no one selling candles.

"When I started out, about five years ago, the market was wide open,'' she recalled. "Since then everyone is doing candles. Gorhams, Knick Knack, I mean everywhere carries candles now.

"It is to the point where the market is now saturated.'' In addition to imported candles, Ms Ray's unique store carries twisted, floating and hand-made candles.

"I do hand-carved candles and sometimes I just import them in because people usually do not want to pay for the time that is required for a hand-carved piece,'' she said. "It is cheaper to import a carved candle that was made in a factory than if I was to make it.

"I have done special orders like an elaborate 18-inch candle for a lady's wedding that was very beautiful.'' But it is Ms Ray's hand-made scented candles that keep customers returning to the quaint shop.

"The scented candles are moving fast,'' she said. "I make them myself so the scents are stronger and last longer than manufactured candles.'' Gibbons Company, which stocks a wide assortment of candles and unusual candle holders, has also noticed a heavy demand for scented candles.

"A lot of people go for the pillars,'' pointed out Roslyn Burrows. "But it is the scented ones that fly right out of here. We can't keep them in long enough.'' Over at the Body Shop on Reid Street, store manager Ellen Brown said scented candles were quite useful in a country like Bermuda.

"In the last two years, it has become a big trend,'' she said. "It's a really big thing maybe because homes in Bermuda get very musty and candles get rid of the smell.

"We do really well with the scented candles, the aroma jars and the burning oils,'' she added. "Ocean Reef is one of the most popular scents and a new one called Cool Farappe is doing really well.'' Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to about 1 of an inch. A long wick will cause excessive dripping and in some cases uneven burning and smoking.

Candles should never be burned in drafty locations, like near an open window or an air conditioner. A strong, steady breeze will cause candles to be consumed in almost half the burning time.

And anyone with children or pets should exercise caution when burning candles.

When you're not burning your candles, avoid leaving them in direct sunlight for long periods of time. The sunlight can cause colours and scents to fade prematurely.

And placing candles in the refrigerator for a few minutes before they are used may help candles to burn slower and last a little longer.

WAX FACTS Whether it's the smell of the fresh outdoors, an ocean breeze or delicious peaches, scented candles are fast becoming more than an just a mere indulgence. For some, the smell of a candle burning in their home has become a passion and as a result, scented candles are hot sellers. Some believe that just inhaling certain fragrances can produce different effects on the body, here are a few: Basil and peppermint stimulate thought; rosemary boosts energy; geranium and orange lifts the spirit; chamomile reduces irritability; lavender relaxes and induces sleep; tea tree strengthens and invigorates; eucalyptus aids in nasal congestion; sage provides a feeling of well-being and lemon cleanses and relieves mental pressure.

*** With a dizzying array of candles on the market, consumers can feel a little in the dark when trying to pick out a simple candle. Here's a little information to help shed light, candle light that is, on the situation: Beeswax: The wax used for candles is derived from bees' honeycomb. This type of wax tends to burn slowly, holds colour well and smells fresh.

Decorative candles: Wax is poured into any size or shape containers to form unusual figures. Burning destroys its shape.

Floaters: Candles that float in water.

Hand-dipped: This was the way candles were made until the 19th century. The wicks are repeatedly dripped in wax and are sought after because of their hand-crafted appeal.

Pillar: Candles that are thick enough to stand without a holder.

Paraffin: The wax used for most candles.

Tapers: Tall candles that are less than an inch thick. They require a holder.

Votive: Short, fat candles that are used in small holders. Originally made for religious ceremonies.

Wick: The braided string used to hold the flame above the wax.