Tiki is actually a huge stone or wood carving that originated in the Central Eastern Polynesian cultures. These carvings mark the boundaries of sacred sites. In most Polynesian cultures, tikis are still used for their sacred sites; but to the rest of the world, they make great party decorations.Tiki torches have recently become a wonderful addition to parties or even just your backyard layout. They exude such an exotic vibe; people cannot resist getting one of them.
If you want to read more about the history and proper usage of these torches then keep on reading. If you are looking for some great deals on the best tikis available then you should click here to read this post on the top ten tiki torches available for purchase.
Basically, these torches can be divided in to two major parts: the outer part and the flame itself. For most tiki torches, the outer part is made up of bamboo. However, because of their popularity and our innate desire to continually improve things; they are now made using various kinds of materials. The usual things you will see in the market right now are stainless steel, brass, and copper. Although these materials are obviously sturdier than bamboo, many people still prefer to go for the old fashion bamboo because it gives a more exotic look. The bamboo torches are closer to how the authentic tiki torches looked like. Moreover, bamboo torches are cheaper than the rest.
Flames are cool.
The other significant part of this type of torch is its flame. To give out a flame you will need two things: the wick and the oil. More often than not, the tiki torches you buy in stores already come with wicks. If you ask me, it is best that you only buy torches that come with wicks, not only for economic reasons but more importantly for your safety. It is tricky to set-up the wick yourself because if you position it incorrectly it may cause a lot of trouble. If you are forced to do it, just make certain that you only expose about half an inch of the wick. Also, if you come in contact with the oil, make sure you wash your hands first before lighting up your torches.
Another important component of your tiki torches is the oil. You can actually use any kind of oil but the most commonly used type is the paraffin oil. The main reason why a lot of people like it is the fact that it is odorless and for most occasions harmless. However, if you want to add pizzazz to your party you can use scented oils. There is vanilla based, citrus scents, and the like. The most commonly employed scent, however, is citronella. Citronellas are known bug repellants and since you will be using these tiki torches outdoors it will not hurt to have something that will help you ward off mosquitoes.
You can buy tiki torches in just about all major hardware stores in your area, and even online. Online buying can be a bit risky because they will have to ship your items. That is why if you want to go down that route, make sure you are buying from a reputable online store. Check their years of experience and also make sure that they have unquestionable customer service just in case your tiki torch is shattered when you receive it.
