Ben Carter
Candles have been a source of light, warmth, and comfort for humanity for thousands of years, with their history spanning millennia of innovation, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. From their humble beginnings as crude torches to the sophisticated wax creations of today, candles have mirrored the progress of human civilization. While the purpose of candles has largely remained the same, the art of candle-making has changed dramatically over the centuries. This evolution has transformed candles from a utilitarian necessity to a source of comfort, brightness, and decoration for people across the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Light source, warmth, comfort, decoration, signalling, timekeeping, celebration, mood-setter, gift, religious purposes |
| Materials | Animal fat, tallow, beeswax, spermaceti, stearin, paraffin wax, cotton, hemp, plant materials, whale fat, cinnamon wax, Japan wax, Chinese wax, seed wax, stearic acid |
| Shapes | Tapered, moulded, rolled, votive, tea lights, tall, short |
| Scents | Aromatherapy, essential oils, candy, coconut milk, fig leaf, papyrus, immortelle, bay laurel, cypress |
| Colours | Various |
| Manufacturing techniques | Dipping, drawing, hand-shaping, pouring |
| Wick type | Cotton, hemp, oakum, plant fibre, self-trimming, self-consuming |
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What You'll Learn
The evolution of candle wax
The growth of the whaling industry in the late 18th century brought about a significant change in candlemaking, with the introduction of spermaceti, a wax derived from sperm whale oil. Spermaceti burned cleanly and produced a bright light, and its harder texture meant it wouldn't soften or bend in hot weather. In the 19th century, stearin wax was developed by French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul, who discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fatty acids. This led to the creation of hard and durable stearin candles, which remain popular in Europe.
The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries brought about mass production techniques and the emergence of paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining, as a popular alternative to beeswax and tallow. Paraffin wax was cheaper and more readily available, making candles affordable for a wider population. The 20th century saw further innovations, including the introduction of synthetic waxes and scented candles, as well as an increased focus on decorative designs.
Today, most candles are made from paraffin wax, but the development of new types of candle waxes continues, with the 1990s witnessing an unprecedented surge in candle popularity and the creation of new wax varieties. The evolution of candle wax has been a dynamic process, driven by advancements in technology, changes in resource availability, and shifting consumer preferences.
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Candles as decoration
Candles have been used as a source of light for over 5,000 years, but their use has evolved over time. While candles were once a necessity, they are now largely decorative, used to create a certain atmosphere or to symbolise a celebration.
In the 20th century, candles began to be marketed as decorative items, with a focus on their aesthetic value and ability to set a mood. Candles became available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colours, and scented candles became increasingly popular. The 1990s saw an unprecedented surge in candle popularity, with new types of candle waxes being developed, such as soy, palm and flax-seed oil.
Candles are often used to create a romantic atmosphere, with candlelit dinners or evenings setting the scene for a memorable night. They can also be used to change the vibe of a space, making a room feel cozier and more relaxing. Aromatherapy candles, for example, contain essential oils to enhance one's well-being. Candles are also used for symbolic and ceremonial purposes, such as in religious contexts or to symbolise a celebration.
The use of candles in Christian churches is especially decorative, symbolic and ceremonial. In the past, beeswax candles were preferred over tallow candles due to their sweet smell and clean burn. Today, beeswax candles are still used in churches and for special occasions, while tallow candles are rarely used due to their unpleasant smell.
Candle holders can also be decorative in their own right, with some designed to contain melted wax and others to protect the flame from wind. Decorative candle holders that are shaped like a pedestal are called candlesticks, while those that hold multiple candle tapers are called candelabras. Lanterns, sconces and girandoles are other types of candle holders that can add to the overall decorative effect of candles.
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Candles as a source of light
For thousands of years, candles have been a source of light, warmth, and comfort for humanity. The evolution of candles mirrors the progress of human civilization.
The earliest use of candles is often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who made rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. However, these rushlights did not have wicks like true candles. Historians have found evidence that many other early civilizations developed wicked candles using waxes made from available plants and insects. For example, early Chinese candles were molded in paper tubes, using rice paper for the wick, and wax from an indigenous insect. In India, wax from boiling cinnamon was used for temple candles.
Candles became commonplace in Europe during the Middle Ages, when candle-making became an essential trade. Beeswax candles, which burned cleanly and emitted a pleasant smell, were introduced in Europe during this time. However, due to their expense, beeswax candles were primarily used in churches and by the wealthy, while tallow candles, made from animal fat, remained popular among the general population.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the whaling industry's growth brought about the first major change in candlemaking since the Middle Ages. Spermaceti, a wax derived from sperm whale oil, became available in quantity and was harder and produced a brighter light than tallow or beeswax. The development of stearin wax in the 19th century, derived from animal fatty acids, further improved candles by making them harder, more durable, and less smoky.
In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution revolutionized the candle industry with steam-powered machinery and mass production techniques. The emergence of paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining, offered a cheaper and more readily available alternative to traditional beeswax and tallow. This made candles affordable for the masses.
Today, candles are no longer a necessity for illumination due to the advent of electric lighting. However, they continue to be used for functional, symbolic, and aesthetic purposes, as well as in specific cultural and religious settings. Candles have also evolved into decorative and scented options, adding comfort and ambiance to homes.
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Candle-making techniques
Ancient Civilizations
The earliest use of candles is attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who created torches or rushlights by soaking the pithy core of reeds in animal fat. The Ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. Other ancient civilisations, including the Chinese, Japanese, and Indians, also developed unique candle-making techniques using indigenous materials. For example, early Chinese candles used wax derived from insects, while Indians used wax from boiling cinnamon for temple candles.
Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, candle-making became an essential trade, with beeswax candles introduced in Europe. Beeswax burned cleanly and emitted a pleasant fragrance, making it ideal for religious ceremonies. However, due to its expense, beeswax candle use was restricted to the wealthy and churches. Tallow, rendered from animal fat, was a more affordable alternative commonly used by the general population.
18th and 19th Centuries
The growth of the whaling industry in the 18th century brought a significant change to candle-making with the introduction of spermaceti, a wax derived from sperm whale oil. Spermaceti candles burned brighter and harder than tallow or beeswax candles. The Industrial Revolution further revolutionized candle-making with steam-powered machinery and mass production techniques. Paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining, emerged as a cheaper and more accessible alternative to beeswax and tallow.
20th Century to Present
The 20th century witnessed further innovations, including the development of synthetic waxes, scented candles, and decorative designs. The popularity of candles surged in the 1990s, leading to the creation of new types of candle waxes. Today, candles are valued not only for their lighting properties but also for their decorative, symbolic, and aromatic qualities. The evolution of candle-making techniques has transformed the simple torch of ancient times into the sophisticated and diverse wax creations we enjoy today.
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Candles in ancient civilisations
The use of candles dates back to ancient civilisations, with the earliest use often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians. They made rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat, but these lacked a wick. By 3000 BC, the Egyptians were using wicked candles, but the ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle before that by dipping rolled papyrus in melted tallow or beeswax. These candles were used to light homes, aid travellers, and in religious ceremonies. Historians have found evidence that many other early civilisations, including the Chinese, Japanese, Indians, and Ancient Greeks, also developed wicked candles using waxes made from available plants and insects.
In Christian churches, candles gained significance for their decorative, symbolic, and ceremonial uses. Wax candles, or candelae cereae, were documented as early as the 3rd century and were used in Easter services in the 4th century. Beeswax candles, which were more expensive to produce, were reserved for the wealthy, churches, and royal events. In the Middle Ages, beeswax candles were introduced in Europe, offering a cleaner-burning alternative to animal-based tallow candles.
Candles played an important role in early religious ceremonies across various cultures. Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, centres on the lighting of candles and dates back to 165 BC. There are also several Biblical references to candles, and Emperor Constantine is reported to have called for the use of candles during an Easter service in the 4th century.
The Ancient Greeks offered moon-shaped honey cakes to the moon goddess Artemis, lit by little torches or candles, which is proposed as the origin of the tradition of putting candles on birthday cakes. Objects that could be candle holders have been found in Babylonian and middle Minoan cultures, as well as in the tomb of Tutankhamun, suggesting that candles may have been produced after the early Bronze Age.
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Frequently asked questions
The earliest candles were torches made from sticks or reeds dipped in animal fat or tallow. The ancient Egyptians are credited with creating some of the first candle-like objects, using rushes soaked in animal fat as torches.
Over time, candles have evolved from being a utilitarian source of light to a decorative and symbolic item. They have been made from various materials, including beeswax, spermaceti, stearin, and paraffin wax. Candles have also become more sophisticated in terms of design, with different shapes, sizes, colours, and fragrances.
One significant change was the introduction of molded candles by the ancient Romans, which were made from tallow or beeswax. These candles were more consistent in size and shape, making them easier to use and store. Another important development was the use of braided cotton wicks, which curl over as they burn, maintaining the height of the wick and the flame.
The popularity of candles has fluctuated over the centuries. They were commonplace in Europe during the Middle Ages and were used in cultural ceremonies and spiritual worship. The Enlightenment period saw a surge in demand due to urbanisation and trade. The introduction of electric lighting in the late 19th century led to a decline in candlemaking, but candles regained popularity in the 20th century with new innovations such as synthetic waxes, scented candles, and decorative designs. Today, candles are often used to create a cosy atmosphere and enhance one's well-being.
