Maddie James
A candelabra is a candle holder with multiple arms. The term candelabra is used to describe a variety of candle holders, including chandeliers. However, candelabra can be distinguished from chandeliers as they are placed on a surface, such as a floor, stand, or tabletop, whereas chandeliers are hung from the ceiling. Candelabra can hold varying numbers of candles, with some holding three candles, others five, and some holding nine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A candle holder with multiple arms |
| Synonyms | Candelabrum, candlestick, chandelier |
| Number of candles | Two or more |
| Types | Wall-mounted, free-standing, table-top |
| Usage | Ornamental, religious, decorative |
| Materials | Metal, bronze, wood, glass |
| Styles | Baroque, classic, modern |
| Colours | Gold, red |
| Special types | Menorah, hanukkiah, dikirion, trikirion |
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What You'll Learn
Candelabra definition
A candelabra is a candle holder with multiple arms. The term is derived from the Latin word candēlābrum, which means "candlestick". The singular form of the word is candelabrum, but over time, the term candelabra has become popularly used as the singular form, with candelabras serving as the plural.
Candelabra can be used to describe a variety of candle holders, including chandeliers. However, a distinction can be made between candelabra and chandeliers, as the former are placed on a surface, such as a floor, stand, or tabletop, while the latter are hung from the ceiling. Candelabra can also be defined as branched candle holders that support multiple candles. They are often made of materials such as bronze, wood, glass, or metal and come in various styles, such as baroque, classic, or modern.
Historically, candelabra were used in religious ceremonies and could be found in churches and the homes of the wealthy. For example, in Judaism, the menorah and hanukkiah are special kinds of candelabra used during Hanukkah to commemorate an ancient miracle. In the 4th century, Pope Sylvester I presented churches with brass candelabra inlaid with silver.
In the 17th century, César-Pierre Richelet defined a candelabra as "a large room candlestick with several branches". By the 18th century, portable candelabra became more popular than wall-mounted sconces, with two-branched designs being the most common. By the 19th century, silver candelabra with multiple branches were often used as elaborate centrepieces on dinner tables. Today, with the advent of electricity, candelabra have largely become decorative items used to infuse spaces with charm and warm illumination.
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Candelabra in religion
The use of candelabra is prevalent in several religions, including Christianity and Judaism.
Christianity
Candelabra, or candelabrums, have been used in Christian churches for centuries. The Roman examples seem to have served as models for many of the candelabra in the churches in Italy. In the 4th century, Pope Sylvester I presented churches with brass candelabra inlaid with silver. Seven-armed candelabra, mentioned in the Bible, may be found in various churches, including the Eastern Orthodox Church. Candelabra may be used in some religious ceremonies, such as Tenebrae, and in certain Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church liturgies such as the dikirion and trikirion.
Judaism
In Judaism, the menorah and hanukkiah are considered special kinds of candelabra. The menorah is a seven-branched candelabra, or oil lamp, that is a symbol of the Jewish religion and an emblem of Israel. The original menorah was said to be located in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The hanukkiah, or Hanukkah menorah, has branches for nine candles—one for each night of the holiday, plus the shammash, or "helper" candle.
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Candelabra in history
The word "candelabra" is derived from the Latin word "candelabrum", meaning a "candlestick". The first known use of the word "candelabra" in English was in 1776, and "candelabrum" in 1811.
Candelabra have been used throughout history, dating back to ancient civilizations. They were used as a source of lighting in homes and temples, and later became popular as decorative pieces in the homes of royalty and nobility, serving as a symbol of wealth and status. Candelabra were commonly made of bronze, silver, or gold, and often featured intricate carvings and details.
In the ancient world, the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum, was a significant symbol in Judaism. It was first mentioned in the biblical book of Exodus, where a solid gold menorah stood in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. The nine-branched version, called a Hanukkah or hanukkiah, is used during the Hanukkah holiday. The menorah is also depicted in the Arch of Titus following the capture of Jerusalem and has since become an Emblem of Israel.
Candelabra were also used in ancient Egypt, where the Sistrum Candelabrum represented the goddess Hathor, who was associated with the sun and the afterlife. In medieval times, seven-armed candelabra were used in Christian churches, modelled after the menorah. Candelabra were also used in Roman times, where they were made of stone or marble and used in public buildings.
Today, candelabra continue to be used in religious ceremonies and as decorative pieces in homes, although they have largely been relegated to decorative use due to the advent of electricity. They are commonly used as centrepieces for tables or positioned around rooms as a source of soft, ambient lighting.
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Candelabra with multiple arms
A candelabra is a candle holder with multiple arms. The term is derived from the Latin word candēlābrum, which means "candlestick". The word candelabra is used to describe a variety of candle holders, including chandeliers. However, candelabra can be distinguished from chandeliers as they are placed on a surface, such as the floor, a stand, or a tabletop, whereas chandeliers are hung from the ceiling.
Candelabra can have different numbers of arms, depending on the design. Two-armed candelabra were the most common in the 18th century, and some designs allowed the arms to be detached, leaving a single-armed candlestick. Candelabra with three arms are also available, designed for candles with a diameter of 2.5 cm. Five-armed candelabra are another option, with some featuring a vintage design and standing 10 inches tall. For those seeking an even grander statement piece, there are also candelabra with nine arms, known as a Hanukkah menorah or hanukkiah, which hold one candle for each night of the holiday, plus an additional "helper" candle known as the shammash.
In religious contexts, candelabra with seven arms are mentioned in the Bible and may be found in various churches, including the Eastern Orthodox Church. In Judaism, the menorah and hanukkiah are special kinds of candelabra. Candelabra were also used in the homes of the wealthy, as good wax candles were expensive and only affordable to those with significant means.
Today, electricity has largely relegated candelabra to decorative use in homes, although they are still used in certain religious ceremonies and can add a warm and elegant atmosphere to any space.
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Candelabra as home decor
A candelabra is a candle holder with multiple arms. The term is derived from the Latin word candēlābrum, which means "candlestick". The word candelabra can be used to describe a variety of candle holders, including chandeliers. However, a candelabra typically refers to a branched candle holder that is placed on a surface, such as a floor, stand, or tabletop, rather than hung from the ceiling.
In the past, candelabras were commonly found in religious buildings and the homes of the wealthy, as good wax candles were expensive and only affordable to the rich. Today, electricity has largely relegated candle holders to decorative use in homes. Candelabras are now popular in home decor for the warm and inviting atmosphere they create through their elegant glow.
Candelabras come in various sizes and styles, with different numbers of arms to hold candles. There are two-armed candelabras, also known as candelabrums, which are the most common. There are also three-armed candelabras, such as those used on altar tables, and five-armed candelabras, which can be made of materials such as bronze or polished brass. Candelabras can also have more arms, such as the seven-armed candelabra mentioned in the Bible and used in various churches, and the nine-armed Hanukkah menorah used in Judaism.
When used in home decor, candelabras can be placed on a variety of surfaces, such as a fireplace mantel, table, or floor, depending on their size. They can be made from various materials, including bronze, wood, glass, or metal, and can be designed in different styles, such as baroque or modern. Candelabras can be used to create a grand, elegant, or romantic atmosphere and are often used in weddings, parties, and religious ceremonies.
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Frequently asked questions
A candelabra holds two or more candles.
A candelabra is a candle holder with multiple arms. It is placed on a surface such as the floor, a stand, or a tabletop.
A menorah is a special type of candelabra used in Judaism. A Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, has nine branches for candles—one for each night of the holiday, plus the shammash.
Candelabra can be made of various materials such as bronze, wood, glass, or metal. They can have different styles, such as baroque or modern, and types, such as standing or tabletop. Some common types of candelabra include the menorah and hanukkiah in Judaism, and the seven-armed candelabra used in churches.
