Maddie James
During the American Civil War, candles were the primary source of illumination. They were made from various materials, including tallow, beeswax, whale oil, and spermaceti (from sperm whales). Tallow, made from animal fat, was commonly used due to its ease of acquisition, while beeswax, a byproduct of honey collection, was more expensive and preferred for its brighter light and lack of unpleasant odor. Spermaceti was also favored for its clean-burning properties and elegant, odor-free experience. The process of making candles involved dipping wicks into molten fat or wax repeatedly until the desired thickness was achieved, or by pouring wax or fat over the wicks. The use of molds for shaping candles was introduced in the 14th century, and large-scale industrial manufacturing techniques further revolutionized candle production in the 19th century.
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What You'll Learn
The process of making candles
To begin making a candle, one would first need to prepare the wick by using thin pieces of cotton or linen. This would then be dipped repeatedly into molten tallow or beeswax until the candle reached the desired size. This method, known as dipping or drawing, was commonly used by Romans and continued during the Civil War. The wick would be dipped into the melted substance several times, allowing it to harden between dips, and the final product would be trimmed to the appropriate length.
Alternatively, soft wax could be rolled around a wick by hand, or wax could be poured onto a wick to build up the candle. These techniques were also used in ancient times but were less common during the Civil War.
For more specialized candles, moulds were used. This technique, introduced in the 14th century, allowed for the creation of candles with specific shapes and sizes. The use of moulds, along with the development of large-scale industrial manufacturing techniques in the 19th century, revolutionized candle-making and contributed to the widespread availability of candles during the Civil War.
Scented candles were not common during this period, but they were sometimes used in sickrooms to alleviate unpleasant odours. These candles were made by distilling aromatic herbs and combining the scented water with tallow. After the tallow absorbed the scent, it was separated from the water.
The most sturdy Civil War candles were made from Adamantine (stearin), which was produced through a chemical process that separated fat. These candles were more affordable than beeswax candles, burned longer, and provided a bright, clear light.
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Different types of wax used
During the American Civil War, candles were made from a variety of waxes, each with its own unique properties and advantages. Here is an overview of the different types of wax used during that time:
Tallow
Tallow, or animal fat, was a commonly used material for candle-making during the Civil War. It has a low melting point and was relatively easy to acquire. The Romans developed the wick-dipping method of candle-making, which involved dipping a wick into molten tallow repeatedly until the desired candle size was achieved. Tallow candles produced a low light, emitted an unpleasant odour, and left a soot residue. They required regular care, including snuffing the flame and clipping the wick. Despite these drawbacks, tallow candles were widely used due to the accessibility of the material.
Beeswax
Beeswax was another material used for candle-making during the Civil War. It was a byproduct of honey collection and required purification through boiling in seawater. Beeswax candles were more costly than tallow candles and were typically limited to the wealthy. They burned brighter and were preferred for their pleasant aroma and lack of unpleasant odours. Beeswax had a higher melting point than tallow, resulting in a slower-burning candle.
Spermaceti
Spermaceti, derived from sperm whale oil, was also used for candle-making during the Civil War. It was a commercially produced wax that burned cleanly and brightly, emitting no odour. Spermaceti candles were more expensive than tallow candles but were preferred for elegant use due to their superior burning qualities and lack of staining. They ranged in colour from white to yellow.
Adamantine (Stearin)
Adamantine, also known as stearin, was created through a chemical and chilling process that separated fat. This type of candle could only be produced through chemical processes, which made it inaccessible for private households to create. Adamantine candles were more affordable than beeswax candles, burned longer, and provided a bright, clear light. They became widely marketed to both the public and military sectors, with the name "Star Candle" becoming synonymous with this type of candle.
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The cost and availability of candles
During the Civil War, candles were primarily made from tallow, beeswax, and spermaceti. Tallow, or animal fat, was the most easily accessible material for candle-making due to its low melting point and availability from beef or sheep fat. However, tallow candles produced an unpleasant odour and required thicker wicks due to their oily composition. Beeswax, a byproduct of honey collection, was more expensive and preferred for candle-making during the Civil War. It burned cleaner than tallow and was considered more suitable for elegant use. Spermaceti, derived from sperm whale oil, was also used for candle-making during the 18th and 19th centuries. It burned brightly and odour-free, making it another high-end option.
The cost of candles during the Civil War varied depending on the type of wax used. Beeswax candles, for example, were more expensive and typically limited to the wealthy, both in ancient times and during the Civil War. Spermaceti candles were also considered high-end due to their bright, odour-free burn. In contrast, tallow candles were more accessible to the general public as tallow was easier to acquire, but they were less efficient and produced an unpleasant odour.
The manufacturing process also played a role in the cost and availability of candles. During the Civil War, candle-making was a specialized craft, with 614 candle makers across the North and South. The process involved crafting wicks from thin pieces of cotton or linen, heating the wax or tallow, and repeatedly dipping the wicks until the desired candle size was achieved. This labour-intensive process contributed to the overall cost of candles. Additionally, the development of large-scale industrial manufacturing techniques in the 19th century improved the mass production of candles, potentially impacting their availability and cost.
The demand for lighting sources during the Civil War also influenced candle prices. Candles served as the primary source of illumination in the 1860s, outcompeting oil lamps due to their safety, availability, and expense. Whale oil, camphene, coal oil, and kerosene used in oil lamps were less accessible and potentially more expensive. Additionally, gaslights were also becoming available, but electricity had not yet been introduced. The high demand for candles during the Civil War may have influenced their cost, with companies like Proctor and Gamble widely marketing their candle products to both the public and military sectors.
Overall, the cost and availability of candles during the Civil War were shaped by the varying prices of different wax types, the specialized manufacturing process, and the high demand for lighting sources at the time.
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The use of candles in the home
During the Civil War, candles were the primary source of illumination, with 614 candle makers operating across the North and South. They were favoured over oil lamps, which were commonly fuelled by whale oil, camphene, coal oil or kerosene, due to their safety, availability and lower expense.
Candles were made from a variety of materials, including tallow (animal fat), beeswax, whale oil, and spermaceti (from sperm whales). Tallow was the most common type of candle due to the ease of acquisition, despite the fact that it emitted an unpleasant odour and soot residue. To make tallow candles, wicks were crafted from thin pieces of cotton or linen, dipped into melted animal fat, and left to cool between dipping. This process was repeated until the candle reached the desired size. Beeswax candles were more expensive and preferred for their brighter, clearer light, but their use was often limited to the wealthy. Spermaceti candles were also considered high-end, as they burned cleanly and were odour-free.
In the home, candles were used for illumination, with women well-adapted to sewing, reading, and tending to tasks in subtle light. They were also used in ceremonies and traditions, such as lighting celebrations and gravesides. Mothers often kept a candle burning in the front window to guide soldier sons home from the war. Scented candles, while not common, may have been used in sickrooms to alleviate unpleasant odours.
The use of candles declined with the arrival of electric lighting, but they are still manufactured and used today.
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How candles were used in ceremonies
During the Civil War, candles were the primary source of illumination. They were used for lighting celebrations, portraying symbolism, and lighting the graveside.
Candles were also used in homes, with mothers often keeping a candle burning in the front window to guide their soldier sons home from the war. This practice was believed to have originated from the old European tradition of "illumination," where a candle was placed in the window to celebrate a prince's birthday. During the Civil War, it signified that the occupants were awaiting their loved ones or weary travelers, offering them shelter.
Candles were also used in ceremonies and traditions, such as the lighting of the Peace Candle. The Peace Candle is a tower-like structure erected annually during the Christmas season in Easton, Pennsylvania. Standing at approximately 106 feet tall, it is assembled over the Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument, a Civil War memorial. The first lighting ceremony was held in 1969, with about 450 people in attendance. The candle has been lit during other significant moments, such as showing support for the people of Paris, France, after a terrorist attack.
Additionally, candles were used in religious ceremonies. For example, during a candlelight vigil organized by the city of Easton, prayers were offered in several languages, including French, after the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris.
The type of candle used in ceremonies and traditions during the Civil War varied. While pure beeswax candles were the most costly, some manufacturers added fillers to lower costs, such as chalk, plaster, flour, resins, or zinc oxide. Adamantine (stearin) candles were another option, created through a chemical and chilling process that separated fat. These candles burned longer and provided a bright, clear light. Spermaceti candles, made from sperm whale oil, were also used for elegant occasions as they burned brightly and were odor-free.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles were made from tallow, beeswax, whale oil, camphene, coal oil, kerosene, spermaceti, and stearin (also known as Adamantine).
Tallow is the fat of animals, typically beef or sheep.
To make tallow candles, a wick would be crafted from thin pieces of cotton or linen. Then, the wick would be dipped into heated animal fat several times until it reached the desired size. Once hardened, the wick would be trimmed.
Beeswax is a byproduct of honey collection. To make beeswax candles, wicks would be dipped into molten wax repeatedly, or soft wax would be rolled around a wick by hand. Beeswax candles could also be made by pouring wax onto a wick.
Scented candles were uncommon in homes, but they may have been used in sickrooms. Tallow candles were more common, but they produced an unpleasant odor and soot residue. Beeswax candles were preferred, but they were more expensive.
