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What You'll Learn
Candle history
The history of candles dates back thousands of years, with evidence of wicked candles being used by the Egyptians as early as 3,000 B.C. Ancient civilizations such as the Romans, Greeks, and Chinese also developed their own candles using various materials like rolled papyrus, plant materials, and wax from insects. The use of moulds for candle-making was introduced in the 14th century, and large-scale industrial manufacturing techniques were developed in the 19th century.
In the early periods, candles were primarily made from tallow and beeswax in Europe, with the former being the common household candle due to the high cost of beeswax. Candles made from whale fat were also used in China during the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE), and textual evidence suggests that beeswax or stillingia tallow may have been used as well. Japanese candles were made from wax extracted from tree nuts, while Indian candles used wax derived from boiling cinnamon.
During the Middle Ages, a major improvement was made with the introduction of beeswax candles in Europe. These burned cleaner and emitted a pleasant smell, making them ideal for church ceremonies. In the 18th century, the growth of the whaling industry brought about another significant change, as spermaceti—a wax derived from sperm whale oil—became widely available. Spermaceti candles burned brighter and harder than tallow or beeswax candles, and they didn't produce a repugnant odour.
The first “standard candles” were made from spermaceti wax, and they defined the SI unit "candela", which represented the luminous intensity of a candle. In the mid-1850s, paraffin wax was distilled from coal and oil shales, leading to the production of inexpensive, high-quality candles. By the end of the 19th century, candles were made from paraffin wax and stearic acid, with Price's Candles in London becoming the largest candle manufacturer in the world. Despite these advances, the candle industry declined with the introduction of superior lighting methods, such as kerosene lamps and incandescent lights.
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Candle production methods
Traditional Methods
Candle wicks were initially made from natural fibres like reeds or rushes. Animal or vegetable fats were used for the first candles, but these were messy and fell out of favour when beeswax was introduced, which burned cleaner and had a pleasant aroma. Chinese candles, for example, used wax derived from insects, while the Japanese developed a method of moulding candles using paper tubes.
Industrial Revolution
The candle-making process became industrialised in the mid-19th century, with the invention of machines that could produce moulded candles continuously. This revolutionised the industry, making candles more affordable for the masses. Joseph Morgan's machine, patented in 1834, produced about 1,500 candles per hour.
Modern Techniques
Today, paraffin is the most common commercial candle wax due to its low cost and ability to hold scent and colour. However, it is a petroleum by-product, releasing potentially harmful chemicals when burned. As a result, there is a growing trend towards more sustainable alternatives like soy wax, beeswax, and vegetable wax derived from palm, rapeseed, olives, or sunflowers. These natural waxes are biodegradable, renewable, and produce less soot.
To create scented candles, essential oils or fragrance oils are added to the melted wax. Essential oils are natural but can be volatile, while fragrance oils are often synthetic and produce a stronger, longer-lasting scent. Decorative techniques include layering different coloured waxes, incorporating dried flowers, creating a marbled effect, or using lacquer coatings for radiant colours.
The art of candle-making has evolved, but the basic process remains similar. Modern innovations focus on sustainability, unique fragrances, and decorative designs to meet diverse consumer needs and preferences.
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Candle health risks
There is some debate about whether burning candles poses a danger to your health. While candles are a source of indoor air pollution, releasing hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, they do not appear to pose a significant health risk. However, certain factors can increase the potential health risks of burning candles, and there are ways to minimise these risks.
Burning candles release chemicals that can be potentially harmful to human health. Candles made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, have been found to release dangerous chemicals such as VOCs and phthalates. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to headaches, shortness of breath, coughing, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Additionally, the dyes and artificial scents used in scented candles can release chemicals such as formaldehyde, CO2, and benzene derivatives, which have been associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.
The risk of toxic emissions is higher when candles are scented or dyed, and artificial fragrances have also been linked to various health issues. However, it is important to note that the effects of candle emissions are minimal, especially in well-ventilated spaces. Burning candles in a ventilated room can help minimise the smoke and indoor air pollution from soot, VOCs, and smoke. Choosing candles made from natural materials such as beeswax, soy wax, or other plant-based waxes can also reduce exposure to pollutants.
Another health and safety concern associated with burning candles is the risk of fire. Even small candles can lead to massive blazes, and fires can result in smoke inhalation, burns, and even death. Localised burns to the fingers from direct contact with the flame may also occur, particularly in children. To minimise this risk, it is important to follow candle safety guidelines and keep candles away from flammable materials and children and pets.
While the therapeutic benefits of burning candles may outweigh the potential health risks for many people, it is important to make healthy choices and take preventive measures to protect against accidents and minimise exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
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Candle types
Candles have been used for centuries to provide light, and even today, they continue to illuminate and enchant spaces. The world of candles is vast and diverse, with many different types, styles, and sizes available.
Pillar Candles
These candles are classic and versatile, characterised by their cylindrical shape and self-supporting nature. They are available in various sizes and colours, making them perfect for decorative and practical purposes, adding warmth and elegance to any setting.
Taper Candles
Taper candles are slender and elegant, tapering towards one end. They are traditionally used for formal occasions, such as dinners and weddings, and they come in a range of colours and lengths, allowing for creative arrangements and displays.
Votive Candles
Votive candles are small and do not come packaged in a container, which means they burn into the holder they are placed in. They come in different colours, but white is the most classic and common for these small candles, perfect for creating an ambiance at the dinner table or tucked in between flowers and other decorative objects.
Tealight Candles
Tealight candles are the smallest type of candle, originally used to keep tea warm. They come packaged in a metal or plastic container and are now mainly used for decor and accent lighting purposes, typically in various holders or seasonal decor.
Floating Candles
Floating candles are designed to float in water while burning. The water keeps the outside cool, preventing a change in buoyancy when the weight is reduced through burning. They are a great way to add a festive or romantic touch to a table setting, making it feel more special.
Scented Candles
Scented candles can be made from various waxes and come in a wide range of fragrances, from floral and fruity to woody and spicy. They are perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation, as well as adding fragrance to a room.
Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are made from natural beeswax, which gives them a warm, honey-like aroma. They are known for their clean-burning properties, long burn time, and environmental benefits, making them a popular choice for those seeking natural beauty and eco-friendliness.
Soy Candles
Soy candles are made from soybean wax, a renewable resource that burns cleaner and longer than traditional paraffin wax. They come in a variety of colours and scents, making them a popular eco-conscious choice.
Handmade Candles
Handmade candles are crafted with care and attention to detail, often featuring unique designs and artisanal touches. They make thoughtful gifts and statement pieces for any home decor style.
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Candle holders
Glass candle holders are popular, but they can sometimes crack due to thermal shock from the candle flame, especially when the candle burns down to the end. To avoid this, users should avoid lighting candles with chipped or cracked containers and discontinue use once a half-inch or less of wax remains. Ornate snuffers, often combined with a taper for lighting, are also used with candle holders, especially in churches that regularly use large candles.
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Frequently asked questions
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Candles can be made from microcrystalline wax, beeswax, gel, plant waxes, stearic acid, and paraffin wax, among other materials.
Candles have been used as a source of light for more than 5,000 years, with the earliest use attributed to the Ancient Egyptians.
The size of a candle's flame and its burning rate are controlled by the candle wick. The type of wax used also affects the burn rate, with some waxes burning longer and cleaner than others.
While scented candles have been popular for creating a soothing atmosphere, some studies suggest that frequent use of low-quality scented candles can expose people to dangerous levels of indoor pollutants, increasing health risks.
