St. Andrew’s Eve, the night of wax
In Poland, the evening of November 29, the eve of St. Andrew’s Day, is Andrzejki: the last party night before the quiet of Advent and the traditional night of fortune-telling. In 2026 it falls on Sunday, November 29. In Ukraine the same evening is Andriivski vechornytsi, with similar games. For centuries the question at the center of the night was who you’d marry; today it’s more often about the year ahead.
Pouring wax, called lanie wosku in Polish, is the most famous of the Andrzejki rituals. Related customs exist across Europe: in Ukraine and Russia wax was also poured during the Christmas season, and in Germany, Austria and Finland people traditionally poured molten lead or tin on New Year’s Eve to read the year ahead. Many of those countries now use wax for safety.
How to pour wax at home
- Melt a piece of candle or beeswax in a small pot.
- Prepare a bowl of cold water and a large key with a round eye.
- Think of your question for the year ahead and pour the wax through the eye of the key straight into the water.
- Lift out the hardened wax and look at its shadow on the wall by candlelight.
- Read the shape. Your first impression matters more than the details.
Hot wax burns, so pour it slowly, never leave the stove unattended and keep children at a safe distance. The online version above works without any fire at all.
Why the shadow, not the wax?
The wax itself is usually a lumpy blob. The trick of the ritual is to hold it up between a candle and a wall: as you turn it, the shadow keeps changing, and sooner or later the group agrees that it looks like a ship, a heart or a crown. Psychologists would call this pareidolia, our habit of seeing familiar shapes in random patterns. That’s exactly why it works as a conversation starter. What you see says something about what’s on your mind.
In the online version you can drag the wax with a finger or the mouse and watch the shadow turn. If you see a different shape than the one we name, trust your own first impression.
Other St. Andrew’s Eve games
Wax is only the start of the evening. Try shoe divination, where shoes walk from the wall to the door, and names under the pillow. Older games included throwing an apple peel over the left shoulder to see which letter it formed, and dropping two pins into a bowl of water to see whether they drifted together. For the bigger picture, see our Slavic divination hub.
What the wax shapes mean
- Heart: Love is close. A heart points to a new feeling or a deepening of the one you already have.
- Ring: The traditional sign of an engagement or a wedding. An important relationship may take a more official shape in the year ahead.
- Bird: News, travel or the freedom you’ve been waiting for. Something important will come from far away.
- Star: Luck and a dream fulfilled. Think about what you really want, because it may work out.
- Tree: Growth, stability and strong roots. A good year for building something that lasts.
- House: A place of your own, a move or peace in the family.
- Boat: A journey, a change of place or a new chapter. Don’t be afraid to sail a little farther.
- Key: A solution and an open door. Something that has been stuck will finally start moving.
- Moon: Mystery and intuition. Something unspoken is in the air; listen to your quiet hunches.
- Flower: Joy, an admirer and a lovely season. Let yourself bloom.
- Fish: An old sign of plenty. It points to a generous, abundant year.
- Cloud: A brief muddle that will soon pass. There’s always sun behind the cloud.
- Crown: Success and recognition. Your efforts will be noticed, and you’ll feel you’re in the right place.
- Butterfly: Transformation and lightness. Something in your life is ready to change, and the change will bring joy.
- Goblet: A reason to celebrate. A gathering, a toast or happy news among the people you love.
- Cat: Independence and intuition. Trust your instincts and don’t let anyone herd you where you don’t want to go.
- Mountain: A challenge that will make you stronger. The goal is high, but you can reach it step by step.
- Apple: Love and temptation. Someone may catch your eye, and a relationship may grow sweeter.
- Bridge: Reconciliation and a new connection. It will be easier to find common ground with someone who’s been difficult lately.
- Cradle: A new beginning in the family or in your heart. Something small and precious will start to grow.
- Angel: Care and good news. A difficult matter may find a gentle resolution.
- Sun: Joy, energy and good fortune. A bright stretch is coming, and many things may fall into place.
- Hat: A new role or a new task. You may surprise people with what you’re really good at.
- Snake: Wisdom and caution. Steer clear of gossip, and trust your insight: you read people well.
Frequently asked questions
How do you pour wax through a key?
Melt a candle, hold a large key with a round eye over a bowl of cold water and pour the wax through the eye into the water. Then lift out the hardened wax and read the shape of its shadow on the wall.
What does a heart in the wax mean?
In the St. Andrew’s Eve tradition, a heart points to love: a new feeling or a deepening of a relationship you already have.
When is St. Andrew’s Eve in 2026?
On the evening of Sunday, November 29, 2026, the night before St. Andrew’s Day on November 30.
Is lead pouring the same thing?
It’s a close cousin. In Germany, Austria and Finland people poured molten lead or tin on New Year’s Eve and read the shapes. Wax pouring is the Slavic version, done on St. Andrew’s Eve and around Christmas.