Jessie Taylor
Candles have been used for light, cultural ceremonies, and spiritual worship since ancient times. While the first candles may have been made by the Romans, there is evidence that the ancient Egyptians, Japanese, and Chinese also used wicked candles. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the growth of the whaling industry led to the use of spermaceti, a wax derived from sperm whales, in candle-making. This was the first major change in candle-making since the Middle Ages when beeswax candles were introduced in Europe. While beeswax candles burned cleaner and smelled better than tallow candles made from animal fat, they were more expensive and therefore used primarily for religious ceremonies. In the 19th century, the development of stearin wax and the mechanization of candle production by Joseph Morgan in 1834 made candles more affordable and accessible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredient | Tallow (animal fat) |
| Other ingredients | Beeswax, spermaceti wax, soy wax, paraffin wax, stearic acid |
| Wick material | Rolled papyrus, flax, cotton, rice paper |
| Moulds | Canning jars, glass jars, old candle jars |
| Use | Lighting, religious ceremonies, decoration, aromatherapy, gifts |
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What You'll Learn
Making wicks from flax or cotton
Candles have been made from various materials and methods throughout history. In ancient times, candles were made by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted animal fat or beeswax. In the Middle Ages, candles were made from beeswax, which burned cleaner and purer than animal-based tallow, emitting a sweet smell rather than a foul odour.
The growth of the whaling industry in the 18th century brought about the use of spermaceti wax, which was harder and produced a brighter light than tallow or beeswax. The introduction of paraffin wax in the 19th century revolutionized candlemaking due to its clean and consistent burn, economical production, and availability from the burgeoning oil industry.
While the focus is now on cotton wicks, it is worth noting that flax was a commonly used material for wicks in the past. Here is a guide on how to make candle wicks from cotton or flax:
Materials:
- Cotton or flax string/twine
- Salt
- Borax
- Vegetable oil or leftover cooking grease
- Water
- Candle wax
- Small bowl
- Pot
- Stove
- Aluminum foil
- Clothespin/clip/hanger
- Tweezers or tongs
Instructions:
- If using cotton string, ensure it is made of 100% natural, unbleached, and undyed cotton. Flax string can also be used as a substitute.
- Create a solution by mixing salt and Borax in a small bowl.
- Soak the cotton or flax string in the salt and Borax solution for 24 hours. This process helps to stiffen the wick and improve its burning properties.
- Hang the treated string to dry for 2-3 days. Use a clothespin, clip, or hanger to secure the string in a warm, dry location. Place aluminum foil beneath it to catch any drips.
- Melt candle wax over a double boiler or water bath. Break or cut the wax into small chunks to speed up the melting process.
- Dip the dried string into the melted wax. Ensure the string is completely coated.
- Allow the wax to harden and cool. Stabilize the wick with a small twig or similar object during this process.
- Trim the wick to the desired length, if needed.
By following these steps, you can create homemade candle wicks from cotton or flax string. These wicks can then be used in your candle-making process, providing a steady flame and a long burn time.
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Using tallow from beef or whale fat
Tallow, or animal fat, has been used to make candles for thousands of years. On the prairie, people would have used tallow from beef or deer to make candles, as these were readily available materials.
To make tallow candles, you'll need to source your tallow. You can buy beef fat from your local butcher, or you can use your own home-raised beef. You can also use deer fat, if you're a hunter. You'll need to render the fat down into tallow. This can be done by gently melting the fat in a double boiler.
Once the tallow is melted, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. You can then pour the tallow into your chosen container. Many people use glass jars, but you can use any size or type of container. Make sure to keep the wick straight and in the middle of the jar. If you don't have a wick, you can use a thin stick or piece of wood.
Leave the tallow to harden completely, then trim the wick if needed. Tallow candles can be stored for long periods and are great to have on hand in case of a power outage. They burn slowly and the smell is minimal, so they are a good option for homemade candles.
Whale fat was also used historically to make candles, particularly in ancient China. With the growth of the whaling industry in the 18th century, whale oil became a common source of wax for candles. However, beef or deer tallow would have been the most accessible option for people on the prairie.
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Dipping wicks in wax
Preparing the Wick:
First, cut the wick to the desired length, typically double the intended candle length. This allows for exposure and trimming of the wick for lighting. Attach a weight to both ends of the wick, which will be useful during the dipping process. You can use a pipe cleaner or twine for the wick material, ensuring it is made from all-cotton for better burning.
Melting the Wax:
Choose a wax that suits your preferences, such as beeswax, soy wax, or paraffin wax. Melt the wax chunks in a double boiler, using a mason jar placed in a pot filled with water. Alternatively, you can use a saucepan with simmering water and a smaller pan or heat-safe bowl for the wax. Always handle melted wax with caution to prevent burns.
Dipping Process:
Hold the wick in the middle, or use a pencil for support, and dip it into the hot wax to achieve the desired length. Repeat this dipping process until you reach the desired thickness. You can enhance the coating by dipping the wick 1 to 2 more times, allowing it to dry between dips. This creates a stiffer wick that is easier to handle and insert into the candle.
Drying and Final Steps:
Hang the dipped wick on a drying rack for up to 12 hours to fully harden. After hardening, remove the weights and trim the wicks before lighting. If you prefer scented candles, add essential oils to the melted wax before dipping.
The art of dipping wicks in wax is a timeless tradition that allows you to create beautiful, functional candles. Whether you choose to use beeswax, soy wax, or another type of wax, the process remains largely the same, offering a delightful candle-making experience.
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Pouring wax into moulds
The use of moulds in candlemaking was introduced in the 14th century. Here is a step-by-step guide to pouring wax into moulds:
Preparing the moulds
Pre-heat your candle moulds by heating your oven to between 120–140 °Fahrenheit and placing the moulds on a cookie sheet to warm. Cover your workspace with aluminium foil or wax paper to catch any spills. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the melting wax.
Melting the wax
As the wax melts, add mould release and polybar if required. Only melt as much wax as you need, as it will deteriorate with repeated heating. Make sure you have a little extra, as the wax will shrink when it cools and you will need to 'top up' the candle once it has cooled.
Adding dye and scent
Bring the wax to the appropriate pouring temperature and then add dye and scent if desired. Mix thoroughly but do not agitate the mixture, as this can create air bubbles. Adding scent too early will cause it to dissipate as the wax heats. To test the colour of the wax, pour a small amount into a container of cool water. The wax will harden quickly and you can see if more dye is required.
Pouring the wax
Gently pour the liquid wax into the mould, filling it to the top. Do not try to make shorter candles by pouring below the top, as they will not release from the mould. Allow the candle to cool in a draft-free environment.
Removing the candle from the mould
Do not attempt to remove the candle from the mould until it is completely cool. This can take several hours, depending on the size of the mould. Once the mould is cool, remove the mould sealer and grasp the skewer that the wick is tied around. Pull gently but firmly, and the candle should release and slide out of the mould. If the candle is stuck, press around the mould to help break the seal, and place it in the fridge for about 20 minutes to help the wax to contract from the mould.
Topping up the candle
Air cavities can form inside the candle when the wax cools, so once the candle has set, use a metal skewer to poke a few holes down around the wick. Pour in more wax to fill the holes, which will also fill in any shrinkage from the top of the mould. You may need to top up the candle more than once, so keep enough extra wax to do this.
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Burning candles for light, warmth, and religious purposes
The use of candles for light, warmth, and religious purposes has a long and global history. The earliest use of candles is often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who made torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. However, the ancient Romans are generally credited with developing wicked candles before this time by dipping rolled papyrus in melted tallow or beeswax.
Candles were also commonplace in Europe during the Middle Ages, with chandlers making candles from kitchen fats or selling their own candles from their shops. The first major change in candlemaking came in the late 18th century with the growth of the whaling industry, when spermaceti, a wax obtained from sperm whale oil, became available in large quantities. Spermaceti, like beeswax, burned without a repugnant odour and produced a bright light.
In the 19th century, large-scale industrial manufacturing techniques were introduced for the mass production of candles. This made candles more affordable for poorer people. However, with the introduction of the lightbulb in 1879, candlemaking began to decline.
Candles have played an important role in religious ceremonies throughout history. In Judaism, a perpetual light was kept burning in temples and synagogues to show the presence of God. In the Catholic Church, candles are lit before a statue or sacred image of a saint, with the light signifying prayer and reverence. Candles are also burned during Mass, liturgical processions, evening prayer ceremonies, and funeral processions. In many faiths, lighting a candle is believed to send prayers, affirmations, or wishes into the spiritual realm.
The symbolism of light and fire is a powerful force in spiritual practices. The candle flame is often seen as a representation of the human soul—pure, bright, and reaching upwards towards something greater. Burning candles, especially in colours like black, white, or blue, can be used for protection rituals or energy clearing.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles on the prairie were traditionally made from tallow, which is rendered animal fat. This was a common practice in early Western cultures.
To make tallow candles, a wick is dipped into melted wax and allowed to cool and solidify. This process is repeated until the candle reaches the desired size.
Beeswax candles were introduced in Europe during the Middle Ages, but due to their expense, they were primarily used in religious ceremonies. In Japan, candle wax was made from tree nuts, while in India, it was made by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree.
Wicks can be made from flax or plant fibres such as oakum. In the 19th century, candlemakers began to fashion wicks from tightly braided cotton, which resulted in "self-trimming" or "self-consuming" wicks that curled over as they burned.
