Candle Blessing

We had guided meditation along with Eucharistic Adoration and the opportunity to go to confession this afternoon, as we usually do at the college on First Fridays, but today was extra special since it was the feast day of St. Blaise. After adoration Father gave us individually the blessing of the throats. . .

"Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you free from every disease of the throat, and from every other disease. In the name of the Father and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit."

Did anyone else get their throat blessed today? My second question is, why the candles? I'm trying to make the connection between a fish bone and candles and well... it's just not happening. Does anyone know the story behind the candles being used for the blessing?