Shtatols

A Shtatol is a wax candle that is supported by an ornamented wooden vessel, called a Jandava, which is used in traditional Erzyan rituals.

Shtatols are “a generic ritual wax candle” which symbolizes life, ancestor reverence, and the passage of time. They are often called “Memorial Candles” or “funeral Candles” in sources, or even "Sacred Ancestor Candle" in some; at least two questionable sources defined it as “a sacred candle, a symbol of hope, unification and will of the Erzyan people”.

Some examples are carved and appear made from beeswax, while others are plain and potentially made from plain soy or other modern waxes. The Jandavas, on the other hand, are often carved from solid linden trunks, ornately carved further than that with traditional symbols, and are vaguely duck or boat shaped in design.