Chloe Adams
Candles have been used as a source of light for over 5,000 years, with the Ancient Egyptians and Romans using wicked candles to light their homes and religious ceremonies. In medieval times, candles were of such importance that servants and workers were often paid partly in candles. They were also used as clocks, with the thickness of the candle indicating the passage of time as it burned. The length of time a candle burned depended on various factors such as size, shape, type of wax, and wick thickness. For example, a larger candle with a thicker wick will burn quicker than a smaller candle with a thinner wick. While candles are no longer the primary source of light, they remain popular for ambiance and celebrations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle type | Tallow, beeswax |
| Wick type | Cotton, wood |
| Burn time | 4 hours (candle clock), 3-4 hours (pillar candle) |
| Usage | Lighting, clocks |
| Payment | Servants and workers were paid in candles |
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What You'll Learn
Candle composition: wax type, wick thickness, and shape affect burn duration
The type of wax used in a candle greatly influences its burn duration. Paraffin wax, a common variety, tends to burn quickly, producing a bright light but has a shorter lifespan. Soy wax, on the other hand, burns at a slower pace, extending the candle's life. Beeswax burns even slower than soy wax, making it a premium choice for long-lasting candles.
Wick thickness also plays a critical role in a candle's burn duration. The wick's purpose is to deliver fuel (wax) to the flame, acting like a fuel pump. Different wick sizes facilitate the delivery of different amounts of fuel to the flame. A thicker wick will draw up more wax, causing the candle to burn quicker. A wick that is too thick for the wax type can cause larger flames and a higher burn rate. At the same time, a wider wick will cause the melt pool to be achieved faster and deeper, reducing the candle's burn time. Cotton wicks are common and provide a clean, steady flame. Wooden wicks, while aesthetically pleasing and creating a comforting crackling sound, tend to burn faster and hotter.
The size and shape of a candle also impact its burn duration. Larger candles typically have longer burn times due to the greater amount of wax available to burn. However, the shape can alter this rule. For example, a tall, thin taper candle may not last as long as a short, wide pillar candle, even if they weigh the same. The wider candle has a larger surface area for the wax to pool, leading to a slower, more even burn.
The burn duration of a candle is influenced by a multitude of factors, including the type of wax, wick thickness, and the candle's size and shape. These variables interact with each other in complex ways, ultimately determining the longevity of a candle's burn.
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Candle clocks: candles with markings indicated time passing
Candle clocks, also known as candle timers, were one of the earliest attempts by humans to measure time. They were used in ancient times, and their use continued into the Middle Ages. In medieval Europe, candle clocks were used in churches, and even earlier by King Alfred the Great of England. Similar methods of time measurement were also used in Japan until the early 10th century and in China as early as 520 CE.
A candle clock is a thin candle with consistently spaced markings that, when burned, indicate the passage of time. The markings are usually accompanied by numbers that represent different intervals of time. The candle is made out of a particular type of wax, and its height and width are fixed so that it can accurately show the passage of time. The rate at which the wax burns is almost constant, allowing candle clocks to indicate the passage of time with reasonable accuracy.
The markings on the candle are placed at specific intervals, usually of one inch, and each marking represents a specific duration of time, typically 20 minutes. Once the candle is lit, it burns down to a particular marking, and the accompanying number indicates the duration of time that has elapsed since it was first lit. For example, if a candle burns down an inch in 15 minutes, markings can be made at one-inch intervals starting from the top end.
To set an alarm on a candle clock, a heavy nail is inserted into the candle at the desired interval. When the candle burns down to that point, the nail falls and clatters onto a metal plate at the base of the candle, signalling the end of the time interval. This method of timekeeping allowed people to tell the time at night or when the sky was cloudy, which was not possible with sun dials or moon dials.
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Servants' payment: candles were used as a form of currency
In medieval times, candles were a valuable commodity, as they were the primary source of lighting before the advent of electricity. The value of a candle depended on various factors, such as its size, shape, and the materials used in its construction. For instance, beeswax candles were considered premium due to their slow-burning properties, while tallow candles, made from animal fat, were more common.
In some English towns and boroughs during the Middle Ages, there existed guilds of tallow chandlers, or candle makers. These guilds were regulated by city, town, or borough ordinances, which also stipulated the basic price, size, and weight of candles. For example, records from medieval Sweden indicate that the clergy likely made their own candles, purchasing beeswax for this purpose.
While I could not find specific information on servants being paid with candles, it is plausible that candles may have been used as a form of currency or barter, given their ubiquity and value in medieval times. Servants in medieval times often faced difficult working conditions, with long hours, low pay, and strict rules. Their duties were varied and demanding, ranging from cleaning latrines to grooming horses.
The value of a candle was derived not only from its ability to provide light but also from the materials used in its construction and the craftsmanship involved in its making. Candles could be made from various substances, including beeswax, animal tallow, and even whale oil, each with its own unique characteristics and burn time.
In conclusion, while I cannot definitively state that servants in medieval times were paid with candles, it is possible that candles may have been used as a form of payment or barter, given their value and importance in a world before electric lighting.
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Lighting methods: lanterns protected candles from wind
The duration of candlelight depends on various factors, including the size and shape of the candle, the type and quality of the wax, and the material and thickness of the wick. Larger candles, for instance, typically have longer burn times due to the greater amount of wax available. However, the shape can alter this rule; a tall, thin taper candle may not outlast a short, wide pillar candle of the same weight. The type of wax is also significant. Paraffin wax, for instance, tends to burn quickly, whereas soy wax burns slower and cooler, and beeswax burns even slower. The wick, being the candle's lifeline, also plays a crucial role. A thicker wick will cause the candle to burn quicker, while a wooden wick, though aesthetically pleasing and comforting, will burn faster and hotter than a cotton wick.
In the Middle Ages, candles were an important source of light, and their protection from the wind was essential for both indoor and outdoor illumination. Lanterns, with their enclosed design, provided an effective solution. Medieval lanterns varied in design and materials, with options such as iron, glass, metal, plastic, and wood. These lanterns not only shielded the candle flame from the wind but also provided a degree of safety by containing the open flame.
One common type of lantern used in medieval times was the "hurricane lantern." This lantern got its name from its ability to withstand strong winds and was designed with a protective glass cylinder surrounding the candle. The glass cylinder could be clear or coloured, and it helped to magnify and disperse the light, creating a brighter and more dynamic illumination.
Another variation of the medieval lantern was the "horn lantern." These lanterns were crafted from animal horns, typically those of cattle, and were used before the widespread availability of glass. The horn was carefully hollowed out and shaped into a cylindrical form, often featuring a flat base for stability. A small hole was made at the tip of the horn to allow the wick to protrude and provide a source of light. While horn lanterns provided a more natural and soft ambient light, they were also susceptible to melting if placed too close to the flame.
The use of lanterns in medieval times extended beyond personal illumination. They also played a significant role in religious ceremonies and processions. "Processional lanterns" were often larger and more ornate, featuring intricate designs and symbols associated with the church. These lanterns were typically made of metal, with decorative cutouts that created captivating patterns of light and shadow as they were carried during religious processions or illuminated altars and sacred spaces.
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Candle maintenance: wicks required regular trimming
Candles have been used as a source of light for over 5,000 years, and they continue to be popular even today. In medieval times, candles were extremely important, often forming part of the wages paid to servants and workers. They were also used as clocks, with the thickness of the candle indicating the passage of time as it burned.
To ensure that candles burned at a constant pace and that the flame remained steady, wicks required regular trimming. This was because, unlike modern candles, medieval candles did not have self-disintegrating wicks. If left unattended, the flame would gradually get lower due to the accumulation of excess wick. Therefore, candles needed to be trimmed periodically to maintain an even burn and prevent the wick from "mushrooming".
The act of wick trimming involved cutting the excess wick to ensure it remained level with the wax. This was crucial in preventing the wick from becoming too long, which could cause the candle to burn faster or produce a larger flame. Regular wick trimming helped optimize the candle's burn time, ensuring it lasted longer and provided a consistent flame height and brightness.
The type of wick also influenced the maintenance requirements. For example, cotton wicks were common and provided a clean, steady flame with minimal maintenance. In contrast, wooden wicks burned faster and hotter, requiring more frequent trimming to maintain a steady flame. Thicker wicks, regardless of material, would also require more attention due to their tendency to draw up more wax, resulting in quicker candle consumption.
In addition to wick maintenance, other factors influenced the longevity of medieval candles. The size and shape of the candle played a crucial role, with larger candles generally lasting longer due to their greater wax volume. However, the shape could modify this relationship; for example, a tall, thin taper candle might not outlast a shorter, wider pillar candle of the same weight due to differences in surface area and wax pooling.
The type of wax used was another significant factor. Tallow, beeswax, and paraffin wax were common choices, each with unique burn characteristics. Tallow and beeswax candles, for instance, burned slower than paraffin wax candles, resulting in extended lifespans. Thus, proper candle maintenance in medieval times involved more than just wick trimming, requiring an understanding of various factors to maximize the candle's duration.
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Frequently asked questions
The duration of a candle from medieval times depended on various factors, such as the size of the candle, the type and quality of the wax, and the wick. For instance, a thicker candle wick would draw up more wax, causing the candle to burn quicker.
Medieval candles did not have self-disintegrating wicks, so they had to be trimmed regularly to maintain a constant pace of burning.
Candles with consistently spaced markings were used as candle clocks. These markings, when burned, indicated the passage of time. For example, in a Chinese poem by You Jiangu (AD 520), a candle was described as being divided into 12 sections, each representing 20 minutes.
Medieval candles were made of tallow, which was produced by dipping a wick into a vat of animal fat. Beeswax was not used as it was too hard to mould.
