[header] How to perform havdalah [title] Prepare the ceremonial candle, wine, and spices. [step] Start by lighting the havdalah candle, which is typically braided and has several wicks. A wine glass is filled, and a spice box is filled (typically with cloves or cinnamon). 
[substeps] The ceremony begins by making fire, which represents civilization, hope, and a way to overcome the darkness (both literal and figurative). Lighting the candle harkens back to adam and eve, who were afraid of the darkness until g-d showed them how to make fire.