Jessie Taylor
Candles have been used for over two millennia, initially as a primary light source and in cultural ceremonies and spiritual worship. Today, candles are used for functional, symbolic, and aesthetic purposes, as well as in specific cultural and religious settings. The process of making candles has evolved over time, with ancient civilizations using animal fat, plant-based waxes, or beeswax, while modern candles are predominantly made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. The mass production of candles involves melting paraffin, adding colours and scents, pouring the liquid into moulds, and allowing it to cool and solidify. Candlemaking has also become a popular hobby for many people, who enjoy creating their own unique candles with personalised fragrances and colours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Wax, tallow, beeswax, paraffin wax, stearic acid, spermaceti, microcrystalline wax, gel, plant waxes, stearin, cotton |
| Process | Melting wax, adding colour and scent, pouring into a mould, adding a wick, cooling |
| Use | Lighting, decoration, symbolism, fragrance, timekeeping |
| History | Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Chinese, Japanese, Indians, Europeans |
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Candle-making history
The use of candles dates back to ancient civilizations, with historians attributing the earliest use of candles to the Ancient Egyptians, who made rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. These rushlights, however, lacked wicks and were more primitive than the candles we know today. The ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. Other ancient civilizations, such as the Japanese and Chinese, also used wicked candles, with textual evidence suggesting that candles in China may have been made from whale fat during the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE).
Candles played a significant role in early human societies as a source of light, warmth, and comfort. They were also integral to cultural ceremonies and spiritual worship, including Jewish celebrations like Hanukkah, which dates back to 165 B.C., and in religious ceremonies in ancient Rome.
For most of recorded history, candles were primarily made from tallow (animal fat) and beeswax, particularly in Europe from the Roman period until the modern era. During the Renaissance, candle-making saw further advancements with the continued use of beeswax and tallow, along with innovations like the introduction of molds and wicks made from cotton or hemp, enhancing the quality and performance of candles.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, candle-making evolved with the use of spermaceti, a waxy substance derived from sperm whales. Spermaceti candles produced a brighter light, had a harder texture, and did not emit a repugnant odour when burned. This marked a shift towards purified animal fats and paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining, which became the primary materials for candle-making in the 19th century.
Today, candles have evolved beyond their traditional use for illumination, taking on decorative and symbolic roles in various cultural and religious contexts. The candle industry has expanded rapidly since the 1980s, offering a diverse range of sizes, shapes, colours, and scents, utilising wax derived from sources such as soybean, coconut, rapeseed, and palm oil.
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Candle materials
Candles are made from a variety of materials, depending on the region and historical period. The candle-making process has been developed independently in several countries, resulting in unique methods and materials.
In Europe, from the Roman period until the modern era, candles were primarily made from tallow (animal fat) and beeswax. Tallow candles were the common household choice due to the high cost of beeswax, which was reserved for the elite and churches. During the Middle Ages, beeswax candles gained popularity in Europe for their clean burn and pleasant scent compared to tallow.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the growth of the whaling industry led to the use of spermaceti, a wax derived from sperm whales, which produced a brighter light and burned without a repugnant odour. During this time, stearin, derived from animal fats, was also introduced, offering a hard and durable alternative. By the end of the 19th century, paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining, became the most commonly used material for candle-making, making candles affordable for the masses.
In other parts of the world, different materials were used for candle-making. In China, candles were made from whale fat, wax from seeds and insects, and beeswax. Japanese candles were crafted from Japan wax, derived from the Japanese wax tree. Indian temple candles were created by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree, while in the Far East, stillingia tallow from Chinese tallow trees and wax derived from insects were used.
Today, candle-making supplies include soy wax, paraffin wax, beeswax, gel wax (a mixture of polymer and mineral oil), and plant waxes such as palm, carnauba, bayberry, or soybean wax. These waxes are melted and coloured, with scents added, before being poured into moulds or jars and fitted with wicks.
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Candle production
In the 1800s, significant advancements were made in candle production. French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fatty acids, leading to the development of stearin wax, which was hard, durable, and burned cleanly. This marked a shift towards the use of purified animal fats and paraffin wax. The manufacture of candles became an industrialized mass market, with companies like Price's Candles in London pioneering new techniques using a wide range of raw materials.
Today, most candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. Candle production involves melting the paraffin and pouring it into a mold. Colors and scents can be added while the wax is in liquid form. As the paraffin cools, it takes on its final shape. The wick is then added, and the candle is ready for use once the wax has hardened.
Soy wax is another popular option for candle production, offering a more natural alternative to paraffin. It is often blended with other waxes and is usually more affordable than beeswax. Candle makers can purchase soy wax in pellet form and melt it using a stovetop or a similar heating source. The melted wax is then poured into a container, and scent oil is added according to the weight of the wax.
Carved candles are a unique variation, featuring layers of differently coloured wax. Creating these candles requires precision, ensuring that the wax is at the perfect temperature for each layer to prevent cracking or blending.
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Candle wicks
Wicks are typically made from cotton, and many include paper threads. Some wicks are made with zinc or lead cores for added rigidity, and some are coated in wax. Wicks can be purchased pre-tabbed, with a metal tab at the base, or uncoated on a spool, which can be cut to the desired length.
The type of wick chosen depends on several factors, including the type of wax, the diameter of the container or mould, and the fragrance and dye load. For example, ECO wicks are designed for soy wax and lower-melting point paraffin waxes, while zinc-core wicks are ideal for candles poured in deep containers.
The history of candle wicks is also interesting. In the 19th century, candle wicks were not in direct contact with air, causing them to char and produce black smoke. In 1825, a French man named M. Cambacérès introduced the plaited wick soaked in mineral salts, which curled towards the outer edge of the flame and trimmed itself. These are known as "self-trimming" or "self-consuming" wicks. In the 1840s, candlemakers began to fashion wicks out of tightly braided cotton, which also curled over and incinerated the excess wick.
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Candle scents
Candles are primarily used for their aesthetic value and scent, especially to create a soft, warm, or romantic ambiance. Scented candles have become increasingly popular, with an estimated 75 to 80 percent of candles sold in the United States being scented.
Candle manufacturers work closely with fragrance companies to develop scented formulations that are pleasing and safe for burning. They have a wide range of aroma chemicals and essential oils to choose from when creating scents.
When making your own scented candles, it is important to select the right type of wax. Common types of wax include soy wax, vegetable wax, beeswax, and paraffin wax, with the latter being the most economical but least natural option.
Once you have chosen your wax, you need to melt it and add your desired fragrance oils or essential oils. Vanilla and lavender essential oils are popular choices for their relaxing and uplifting properties. You can also add natural scented ingredients like dried lavender petals or dried citrus rinds as the wax cools.
To ensure your candle burns properly, it is crucial to carefully measure the amount of wax and scent oil used. Using a kitchen scale to weigh the wax and determine the appropriate amount of scent oil is recommended. Additionally, for safety reasons, it is advised to make candles in sturdy glass containers, such as 16-ounce Mason jars.
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Frequently asked questions
Today, most candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. Candles can also be made from beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes. Ancient candles were often made from animal fat, such as tallow from beef or mutton fat, or whale fat.
Mass-produced candles are made by melting paraffin and pouring it into a mold. Colours and scents can be added while the wax is in liquid form. The candle is then left to cool and set.
Yes, many people enjoy making their own candles at home. You can buy kits or source the materials yourself. To make a candle, melt the wax and add any colour or fragrance, then pour the wax into a jar. Drop in a wick and wait for the candle to cool.
In ancient times, wicks were made from reeds, papyrus, or rice paper. In 1825, a French man named M. Cambacérès introduced the plaited wick soaked in mineral salts, which curled towards the outer edge of the flame and trimmed itself.
Candles are still used for functional, symbolic, and aesthetic purposes. They are often used in cultural and religious settings, such as birthday cakes and vigils. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a huge spike in sales of scented candles.
