Tyler Brooks
Before the invention of matchsticks, people would light lamps and candles from their cooking fires, transferring the flame to where they needed it. If nothing was already on fire, they would strike sparks with flint and steel or spin a stick to create friction and light tinder. Candles were a primary source of light for thousands of years, with the earliest use often attributed to Ancient Egyptians who made torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. In the Middle Ages, beeswax candles were introduced in Europe, which burned cleanly and emitted a pleasant smell, but they were expensive, so tallow candles made from animal fat were more commonly used in households. In the 18th century, the first standard candles were made from spermaceti wax obtained by crystallizing sperm whale oil. While candles provided light, people were used to working by daylight, so lighting a candle during the day was rare. At night, people would gather around the hearth or stove for warmth and perhaps a candle, partaking in activities that didn't require good vision, such as storytelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lighting sources | Open fire, torches, oil lamps, candles, lanterns, and fire pots |
| Candle composition | Animal fat (tallow), beeswax, plant materials, spermaceti wax, stearin wax, paraffin wax |
| Candle usage | Religious ceremonies, illumination, timekeeping, warmth, ambiance, emergency lighting |
| Lighting activities | Storytelling, drinking, socializing, chores, reading, writing, sleeping |
| Fire-starting methods | Transferring flame, flint and steel, friction, fire pots, lanterns |
| Fire hazards | Knocked-over candles, flammable materials, dress ignition |
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What You'll Learn
Fire pots, ember bundles, and lanterns were used for travel
Fire pots, for example, were used to store burning coals while travelling, making it easier to start a fire when one reached their destination. Ember bundles, also known as fire bundles or apache cigars, were another ancient technology where a piece of punky wood was lit until it had a glowing centre, and then carried and used to start the next fire. Tinderboxes, which contained tinder, flint, steel, and sometimes sulphur matches, were also used to start fires while travelling.
However, these methods were not ideal for travel, as it was a chore to keep track of the fire and ensure it didn't go out. As a result, people travelling would try to end the day somewhere that people already lived, where they could borrow fire from a constantly burning source.
In addition to these fire-based methods, people in the past would also use thin pieces of wood or small pieces of rush as matchsticks to light candles or lamps. They would light one end in the larger fire in the centre of their home and then use that to light their candles or lamps.
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Candles were made from animal fat, beeswax, or whale oil
Before the invention of electric lighting, candles were a significant source of light, and they were made from a variety of materials, including animal fat, beeswax, and whale oil.
The use of candles dates back thousands of years, with the Ancient Egyptians creating torches by soaking reeds in animal fat. Over time, different types of candles emerged, and people began to use animal-based tallow, beeswax, and whale oil as common materials for candle-making.
Animal-based tallow candles were widely used by early Western cultures due to their accessibility and affordability. However, they produced a foul odour and a smoky flame. In contrast, beeswax candles, which became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, burned cleanly and emitted a sweet fragrance. Nevertheless, beeswax was expensive, limiting its use to the wealthy and religious ceremonies.
The growth of the whaling industry in the 18th century brought about a significant change in candle-making. Spermaceti, a wax derived from sperm whale oil, offered a bright and odourless light, similar to beeswax. It was harder than tallow or beeswax, making it ideal for warm climates.
The development of stearin wax in the 19th century by French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul further revolutionised candle-making. Stearin wax, derived from animal fatty acids, produced a hard, durable, and clean-burning candle. This discovery contributed to the affordability and popularity of candles in Europe.
While candles provided illumination, they also posed challenges. Candle-making was a lengthy process, and candles were often used sparingly. Lighting a candle during the day was rare, and people typically moved from room to room to maximise natural light. Additionally, candles presented fire hazards, and the fear of accidental fires influenced people's behaviours and choices of lighting sources.
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People would light candles from cooking fires
In the past, before the invention of matchsticks, people would light candles from cooking fires. They would use a thin piece of wood, whittled off a larger, very dry piece of wood, or a small piece of rush if they lived in a place where wood was not plentiful. They would then light one end of the stick in the larger fire in the centre of their home and use that to light their candles.
The practice of lighting candles from cooking fires was not limited to the home. For example, in the Middle Ages, candles were widely used for church ceremonies, but they were expensive, so only the wealthy could afford to burn them in their homes. Beeswax candles, in particular, were used for church ceremonies as they burned pure and cleanly, without producing a smoky flame, and emitted a pleasant, sweet smell.
The use of candles dates back to ancient times, with the earliest use often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who made torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. The ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle before that time by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. Candles were also used in early Chinese and Babylonian cultures, as well as in the tomb of Tutankhamun.
The development of candles continued over the centuries, with major changes occurring in the 18th and 19th centuries. The growth of the whaling industry in the 18th century brought the introduction of spermaceti wax, which burned cleanly and produced a bright light. In the 19th century, French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fatty acids, leading to the development of stearin wax, which was hard, durable, and burned cleanly.
While candles have been a significant source of light throughout history, they have also been a major fire hazard. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed around 300 people, was popularly attributed to a knocked-over candle or lantern. Similarly, the Great Fire of London in 1666 may have been caused by a carelessly used candle or lamp.
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Candles were expensive and used sparingly
Candles have been used as a source of light for over 5,000 years, but they were not always affordable for everyone. In the Middle Ages, beeswax candles were introduced in Europe, burning cleanly and emitting a pleasant smell. However, they were expensive, and only the wealthy could afford to burn them in their homes. The majority of people relied on candles made from animal fat (tallow), which were cheaper but produced a foul odour and an uneven flame.
The growth of the whaling industry in the late 18th century brought about a significant change in candle-making. Spermaceti, a wax derived from sperm whale oil, became available in large quantities. Spermaceti candles burned cleanly, without the unpleasant odour of tallow, and produced a brighter light. However, the process of extracting this wax was tedious, making these candles less popular.
In the early 19th century, French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fatty acids, leading to the development of stearin wax. These candles were hard, durable, and burned cleanly, making them a popular choice in Europe even today. The invention of mechanised production in the 1830s made candles even more affordable, but they were still a major fire hazard and required careful handling.
Before the invention of matchsticks, lighting a candle was a challenge. People would light thin pieces of wood or rushes in the central fire of their homes and use them to ignite candles or lamps. Alternatively, they could strike sparks with flint and steel or create friction by spinning a stick to light tinder. These methods were time-consuming and labour-intensive, so candles were used sparingly, especially during the daytime.
The introduction of gas lighting in the late 18th century by William Murdoch marked a significant shift from candles. Gas lighting was more efficient and 75% cheaper than candles, providing a brighter light and transforming people's relationship with the night.
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Nighttime activities included storytelling, drinking, and games
Before the invention of candles, ancient people used open fires, torches, splinters of resinous wood, and oil lamps to provide light during the night. The earliest use of candles is often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who made rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. However, these did not have wicks like true candles. The Ancient Romans are generally credited with developing wicked candles before the Egyptians by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax.
Candles have been used as a source of light and to illuminate celebrations for more than 5,000 years. They were a significant form of indoor lighting until the invention of other types of light sources, such as gas lamps, which were more efficient and cheaper. In the developed world today, candles are used mainly for their aesthetic value, scent, and for religious and ceremonial purposes.
Life before artificial light was dangerous, but it was also exciting. People's lives depended on fire, and they would try to end the day somewhere inhabited. The night held a mighty appeal, as it afforded privacy and freedom from the social order of the day. Darkness was a mask that allowed people to escape the eyes of their superiors, and it enabled activities that were considered unacceptable during the day.
Candles were generally lit only during the nighttime hours and sparingly due to the lengthy candle-making process. They were made from various materials, including animal fat (tallow), beeswax, bayberry bushes, whale oil, and paraffin wax. The introduction of mechanized production in the 19th century made candles an easily affordable commodity for the masses.
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Frequently asked questions
Before candles were invented, ancient people used open fires, torches, resinous wood, and oil lamps to provide light at night. Oil lamps were small dishes filled with oil, usually olive oil, and held a 'wick' made of plant material or linen.
The Ancient Egyptians used wicked candles around 3,000 BC, but the concept may have developed earlier in Italy during the Etruscan period (c. 7th century BC). Objects that could be candle holders have been found in Babylonian and Minoan cultures, as well as in the tomb of Tutankhamun.
The earliest candles were made from plant materials dipped in animal fat. Over time, candles were also made from beeswax, which burned cleaner and emitted a sweet smell, but these were more expensive and only the wealthy could afford them.
