ritual · lamps
A short guide to oil lamps
Which oil, how much wick, and why the flame should sit below the rim.
An oil lamp is a small machine: a reservoir, a wick, and a lip that holds the flame steady. Most problems come from overfilling or from a wick that is too long.
Oil
Sesame oil burns cleanly and is traditional in South Indian homes. Coconut oil works too, though it is thicker. Avoid perfumed lamp oils indoors.
Wick
Cotton wick, about 2 mm thick, soaked for a few minutes before the first light. Trim to 3–4 mm above the lip. A longer wick smokes.
The flame
The flame should sit just below the rim of the lamp. If it is taller than the rim, trim the wick and check that the lamp is not overfilled.