Maddie James
A candelabra is a type of candle holder with multiple arms, typically placed on a surface such as a table, fireplace mantel, or floor. The number of candles that a candelabra can hold varies, with some holding as few as two candles, and others accommodating nine or more. The most common type of candelabra has three arms, though five-candle and seven-candle candelabras are also popular. In religious contexts, candelabras often hold a specific number of candles that carry symbolic significance, such as the nine-branched menorah used in Jewish Hanukkah celebrations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | "A large room candlestick which has several branches" |
| Placement | Fireplace mantel, table, guéridon, torchère, floor |
| Synonyms | Branches, chandeliers, lustres, girandoles, wall-lights |
| Number of candles | 2 or more |
| Types | Floor candelabra, table candelabra |
| Materials | Metal, bronze, wood, glass |
| Styles | Baroque, classic, modern |
| Religious examples | Menorah, hanukkiah, dikirion, trikirion |
| Number of candles on a menorah | 9 (8 main branches, 1 for the shammash) |
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What You'll Learn
Candelabra in religious contexts
The use of candelabra in religious contexts dates back to ancient civilizations, with various religions and societies embracing them for their symbolic value and functional lighting capabilities. In Judaism, the menorah and hanukkiah are considered special kinds of candelabra. The menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum, holds significant religious symbolism and is used during celebrations such as Hanukkah. According to the Hebrew Bible, Moses received instructions on the creation of the menorah, which has since become a symbol of Judaism and an Emblem of Israel. During Hanukkah, Jewish people light the menorah candles to commemorate an ancient miracle when a small amount of oil burned for eight nights, allowing Judah Maccabee and his warriors to reclaim the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
In Christian churches, particularly medieval ones, seven-armed candelabra modelled after the menorah can be found. In the 4th century, Pope Sylvester I presented churches with brass candelabra inlaid with silver. Candelabra are also used in certain Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church liturgy, such as the dikirion and trikirion.
In Hinduism, the aarti candelabra is used in rituals and ceremonies.
Candelabra have been used in various ceremonies and rites across different cultures, often symbolizing enlightenment and the transformation of darkness into light. They have also served as a symbol of wealth and status, adorning the homes of the nobility and royalty.
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Candelabra in Roman times
Candelabra, derived from the Latin word for "candlestick", is a candle holder with multiple arms. The Romans used the term to describe a form of ornamental lighting, which could be a tall stand that supports a lamp.
The Romans developed Hellenistic precedents and made candelabra of great decorative richness. Two types of Roman candelabra have been found: the simpler kind consists of a slender shaft, often fluted, supported on a spreading base of animals’ feet and acanthus scrolls, and carrying a flat shelf with vase-like mouldings. The multitude of such candelabra found in Pompeii proves them to have been a common form of household decoration. The more monumental type, made of marble or bronze and used in public buildings, had for its base a pedestal resembling a small altar, which carried a heavy shaft frequently decorated with row upon row of acanthus leaves.
Candelabra in the form of branched candlesticks also became popular in Roman homes as decorative lighting. However, good wax candles were expensive in the early period, and only the wealthy could afford them. Cheaper tallow candles, made of animal fat, were smelly, smoky, and burned quickly. As a result, candle holders were rare in ordinary households.
Roman candelabra seem to have served as models for many of the candelabra in the churches in Italy. Liturgical services were performed with the use of candlelight, and candelabra with prickets may be used to hold the candles in churches. In the 4th century, Pope Sylvester I presented churches with brass candelabra inlaid with silver.
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Candelabra in modern times
The candelabra has evolved significantly since its early use in ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In modern times, candelabras are primarily used for decorative and lighting purposes in homes, with electricity having largely replaced candleholders for functional lighting. They are also commonly found in religious contexts, particularly within Judaism, where the menorah is a key ritual object.
Candelabras come in a variety of styles, ranging from antique and traditional designs to modern and contemporary minimalist pieces. They can be made from various materials, including metal, glass, and ceramic, and are often adorned with decorative elements such as crystals, beads, or engravings. They are commonly used as centrepieces on dining tables, adding elegance and ambiance to the dining experience.
Wall-mounted candelabras are another modern variation, offering versatility in interior design and providing ambient lighting. They cater to diverse styles, from vintage to modern, and can be made from a range of materials to suit different tastes and budgets.
Candelabras continue to hold cultural significance, with their timeless appeal and ability to create a specific atmosphere through the interplay of light and shadow. They are often used for special occasions, such as intimate dinners or grand celebrations, enhancing the overall experience with their soft, warm lighting.
The evolution of candelabras over time showcases their adaptability and enduring appeal. From ancient rituals to modern homes, candelabras have transformed in design, utility, and artistic expression, becoming beloved decorative elements in various settings.
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The distinction between a candelabrum and a chandelier
A candelabrum (plural candelabra but also used as the singular form) is a candle holder with multiple arms. The term 'candelabra' can be used to describe a variety of candle holders, including chandeliers. However, the fundamental distinction between a candelabrum and a chandelier is that the candelabrum is a candle holder placed on a surface, such as the floor, a stand, or a tabletop, while the chandelier is hung from the ceiling.
Candelabra have been used since ancient times, with the seven-armed candelabrum or menorah mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, and depicted in the Arch of Titus following the capture of Jerusalem. It has since become a symbol of Judaism and an Emblem of Israel. The menorah is also a model for the seven-armed candelabra used in medieval Christian churches.
In the 4th century, Pope Sylvester I presented churches with brass candelabra inlaid with silver. Candelabra were also used in the homes of the wealthy, as good wax candles were expensive and only they could afford them. The cheaper tallow candles, made of animal fat, were smelly, smoky, and burned quickly.
By the 17th century in France, César-Pierre Richelet defined a candelabrum as "a large room candlestick which has several branches". In England, in the early 18th century, the term candelabrum was used interchangeably with branches, chandeliers, lustres, girandoles, and wall-lights. By the 19th century, silver candelabra with multiple branches were often used together with elaborate centrepieces on dinner tables.
Today, candelabra are largely used for decorative purposes in homes, with electricity having replaced them as a source of lighting. However, they remain a popular design choice, with modern candelabra chandeliers available in various styles, sizes, and mounting types.
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The number of candles on a menorah
The menorah is a candelabra, or candelabrum, that holds candles and is used in Jewish religious ceremonies. The word menorah means "lamp" in Hebrew. The menorah is a symbol of Judaism and an Emblem of Israel.
A Hanukkah menorah, also known as a chanukiah, has nine branches for candles. Eight of the nine branches hold candles that symbolize the eight nights of Hanukkah. On each night, one more candle is lit than the previous night, until the final night when all eight branches are lit. The ninth branch holds a helper candle, called a shamash, which is used to light the other eight candles.
The Hanukkah menorah is distinct from the seven-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. The seven-branched menorah is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible with instructions on its creation given to Moses. It has since become a symbol of Judaism and an emblem of Israel.
In modern times, the tradition is to light one menorah candle on the first night of Hanukkah, plus the helper candle, or shamash. On the second night, two candles are lit, and so on, until all nine candles are lit on the eighth and final night.
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Frequently asked questions
A menorah candelabra has nine branches for candles, one for each night of Hanukkah, plus a "helper" candle called the shammash.
A candelabra is defined as a candle holder with multiple arms, so it must hold at least two candles.
Yes, there are candelabras that hold three or four candles.
