Maddie James
Candles have been an important source of light for people since ancient times, playing a role in cultural ceremonies and spiritual worship. While the use of fire, torches, and lamps predates the invention of candles, candle-making techniques have evolved over the centuries. In this article, we will explore how people made candles on the prairie, using available materials and adapting to the challenges of living in a rural or isolated region. From animal fats to plant-based waxes, the history of candle-making on the prairie is a fascinating journey of innovation and resourcefulness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Tallow, beeswax, soy wax, glass jars, canning jars, beef fat, cotton, paper tubes, rice paper, spermaceti wax, paraffin wax, stearic acid, oakum, plant fibre, flax |
| Techniques | Dipping rolled papyrus/wicks in molten fat/wax, pouring fat/wax onto a wick, moulding, boiling, rendering |
| Uses | Lighting, decoration, aromatherapy, gifts, religious ceremonies, telling time |
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What You'll Learn
Using tallow or animal fat
Animal fat, or tallow, has been used to make candles for thousands of years. Tallow candles are inexpensive and can be made in large batches, making them a good option for those living on the prairie.
To make tallow candles, you'll need tallow and a wick. Tallow can be sourced from local farms or by butchering your own beef. If you don't want to use beef tallow, you can also use venison tallow or lard, though these options may be messier and require different wicks.
Once you have your tallow, you'll need to render it. This involves melting the tallow in a double boiler or DIY setup. If you're using raw beef fat, also known as suet, you'll need to render it down into tallow first.
After your tallow is melted, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. You can then pour the slightly cooled but still liquid tallow into your chosen jar, ensuring that the wick stays straight and in the middle of the jar. You can use hot glue to secure the wick in place.
Leave the jar uncovered and let the tallow completely cool and harden. Once hardened, trim the wick to 1/4" long. Your tallow candle is now ready to use or store. Store your tallow candle in a cool, dark location when not in use.
Tallow candles can be a great option for emergency lighting during power outages, and they can also be used as gifts.
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Dipping wicks in wax
Candles have been an important source of light for thousands of years, and the practice of dipping wicks in wax to create candles is an ancient tradition. While the Ancient Egyptians used torches soaked in animal fat, the Romans are credited with developing wicked candles by dipping rolled papyrus in melted tallow or beeswax.
Preparing the Wax
The first step in dipping wicks in wax is to melt the wax. This can be done using a double boiler, which involves placing a mason jar filled with wax into a pot of water heated to a medium temperature. Beeswax and soy wax are popular choices for candle-making, but historically, animal fats like tallow were commonly used.
Preparing the Wick
The wick can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton twine, pipe cleaners, or wood. The wick should be cut to the desired length, typically double the length of the finished candle, and weights can be attached to both ends to make dipping easier. Treating the wick with a solution of borax and salt can help the candle burn brighter and longer while reducing smoke and ash. Alternatively, the wick can be dipped directly into the melted wax before dipping into the main candle wax, creating a stiffer, easier-to-handle wick.
Dipping Process
Once the wax is melted and the wick is prepared, it's time to start dipping. Hold the wick in the middle, or use a pencil for support, and dip it into the hot wax to the desired length. Repeat this process, allowing the wick to dry between dips, until the desired thickness is achieved. Depending on the type of wax, the candles may need to hang on a drying rack for up to 12 hours to fully harden.
Final Steps
After the candles have hardened, the wicks can be snipped and the candles are ready for lighting. If desired, essential oils can be added to the melted wax before dipping to create scented candles. This dipping method can be used to create simple, rustic candles, or more intricate designs can be achieved with additional tools and techniques.
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Making wicks from flax
Candles have been made from various materials over the centuries. In the past, early Western cultures relied on candles made from animal fat (tallow), while in Japan, candle wax was made by extracting wax from tree nuts. In ancient times, the Egyptians used papyrus reeds as wicks, while the Romans created wicked candles by dipping rolled papyrus into melted tallow or beeswax.
Now, let's delve into the process of making wicks from flax:
Preparing the Flax Fibres:
Start by harvesting the flax fibres. Pull the long-stemmed flax plants and lay them out in a mown field to catch the dew, or opt for soaking them in a "retting pond" for about three to five days. The dew or water helps to rot away the outer stem, leaving you with the desired flax fibres. The field retting method takes longer, around three to six weeks, but it yields whiter flax fibres.
Processing the Flax:
Once the outer stems have decayed, strip away the decayed material. Then, use a hackle or comb to align the flax fibres. After combing, you can begin spinning the fibres, followed by weaving to create linen.
Creating the Wicks:
For candle wicks, you'll want to use the tow fibres from the flax plant. These shorter fibres can be spun using techniques similar to wool processing. Use a worsted spinning technique to create a firm, well-twisted yarn suitable for candle wicks. Ply your yarn into a 2-ply or 3-ply yarn for added strength.
Boil your yarn in water with a tablespoon of washing soda to remove any impurities and create a soft and pliable wick material. You can skip the traditional step of "beating" the yarn to soften it, as a stiffer wick is desirable for candles.
Finally, follow standard candle-making procedures to create your candles using your flax wicks. You can dip your wicks in melted wax, or build the candle around the wick by pouring wax onto it or rolling soft wax around it.
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Using jars as moulds
Jars can be used as moulds for candles, and this is a great way to recycle old candle jars. To repurpose a glass candle container, start by removing any remaining wax and washing off any stickers. Place the jar on a jelly roll pan and put it in the oven at a low temperature to avoid breakage. Once the wax has melted, pour it out into a foil-lined container.
When choosing a jar, ensure it has an open mouth with no inward tapering. Inward tapering will restrict airflow, making it difficult for the candle to burn effectively. Canning jars are a good option as they are designed to withstand high temperatures.
Before pouring the wax, secure the wick by feeding it through a small hole in the bottom of the jar. You can use candle mould clay or glue to secure the wick and prevent wax leakage. Alternatively, you can use pre-made wick tabs, which are inexpensive and easy to use.
You can also make moulds out of plastic bottles or milk cartons. If you plan to remove the candle from the mould, paper or plastic containers can be used.
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Boiling wax from bayberries
Bayberry shrubs are native to North America and can be found in the maritime climate of the east coast, from Nova Scotia to the Carolinas. The berries of the bayberry plant produce a waxy substance when boiled, which can be used to make candles. The process of boiling wax from bayberries is relatively straightforward, but it can be time-consuming, and a large number of berries are required to extract a substantial amount of wax. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Picking and Preparing the Bayberries
First, gather ripe bayberries, preferably in early to mid-fall (October to November in most areas). The berries can be found on the bush into the winter unless they are eaten by birds. It is important to note that a significant quantity of berries is needed, as it typically takes around 4 to 15 pounds of bayberries to produce just 1 pound of wax. Once you have collected the berries, wash them under cold water to clean them.
Boiling the Bayberries
Using a large pot or stockpot, fill it with water to a level that is about 2 inches above the top of the berries. Place the cleaned berries into the pot and bring the water to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a low rolling boil and simmer the berries for about 20 to 30 minutes. The bayberry oil and wax will melt out of the berries and float on the surface of the water.
Filtering and Cooling the Mixture
Line a heatproof bowl or another pot with a couple of layers of cheesecloth. Carefully pour the hot mixture through the cheesecloth to filter out the berries, leaves, and twigs. You can optionally reboil the berries in fresh water to extract even more wax, and then repeat the filtering process. Allow the liquid to cool, and the bayberry wax will solidify on top of the water, making it easy to remove.
Mixing with Beeswax (Optional)
Bayberry wax can be expensive due to the large quantity of berries required, so it is often mixed with beeswax to stretch the supply. A 1:1 ratio of bayberry wax to beeswax will still produce fragrant candles with a green hue. You can use up to 1.5 times more beeswax than bayberry wax if desired. Melt the bayberry wax and beeswax together in a candle-making pitcher or a tin can set in a boiling water bath.
Candle Molding and Setting
At this stage, you can prepare your candle mold and wick according to your preferred method. Pour the melted wax into the mold, and allow it to cool and harden. Once set, your bayberry candles will be ready for use, bringing a touch of natural fragrance and good fortune to your home.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles on the prairie are often made from tallow, which is rendered animal fat. People have been burning tallow candles for thousands of years.
Tallow is melted and then poured into jars to solidify. Wicks are made from flax or, in more modern times, tightly braided cotton.
Beeswax candles were introduced in Europe during the Middle Ages, but due to their expense, they were largely limited to religious ceremonies. In ancient times, plant-based waxes were also used, and in Japan, wax was extracted from tree nuts.
The whaling industry in the 18th century brought about the use of spermaceti wax, which was harder and burned cleaner than tallow or beeswax. In the 19th century, paraffin wax was introduced, which burned cleanly and was economical to produce. The introduction of the lightbulb in 1879 caused a decline in candlemaking, but candles enjoyed a resurgence in the 20th century with the growth of the oil and meatpacking industries, as well as an increase in decorative and scented candles.
