Brooke Martin
Candles have been used for thousands of years, with the earliest use attributed to the Ancient Egyptians. The Ancient Egyptians are believed to have created rushlights or torches by dipping reeds in animal fat. These early candles were used for illumination in homes, temples, and tombs, as well as for religious ceremonies and rituals. As civilizations progressed, candle-making technology and craftsmanship improved. The Ancient Romans are credited with developing the first wick candle, and candle-making became an essential trade during the Middle Ages. Over time, different types of waxes and fragrances were used, and candles took on a variety of roles, from providing light and warmth to playing a part in religious ceremonies and decorative purposes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earliest use of candles | Often attributed to Ancient Egyptians |
| Date of earliest use | Around 3000 BC |
| Materials used | Rushes, reeds, animal fat |
| Type of candle | Wickless |
| Use | Illumination, religious ceremonies and rituals |
| Other civilisations using wickless candles | Chinese |
| Development of wicked candles | Romans |
| Materials used by Romans | Papyrus, tallow, beeswax |
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What You'll Learn
Earliest candle-like objects
The ancient Egyptians are credited with developing some of the earliest candle-like objects. While these did not resemble the candles of today, they served similar purposes and laid the foundation for future innovations in candle-making.
One of the earliest indications of candle-like objects in ancient Egypt is the discovery of a clay candle holder dating back to the Fourth Dynasty (c. 2575-2130 BCE). In the tomb of Pharaoh Amenemhat I (c. 1962 BCE), a relief depicts a boat with a lit lamp or candle, reflecting rites or rituals associated with the procession of the pharaoh's coffin.
The ancient Egyptians created rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. These early candles were primarily used for illumination in homes, temples, and tombs, as well as for religious ceremonies and rituals. They played a significant role in ancient Egyptian culture, with scenes depicting their usage in religious texts like the Book of the Dead.
Another early form of lighting similar to candles was the oil lamp. These lamps were small dishes filled with olive oil, which was readily available and inexpensive, and held a wick made of plant material or linen. Over time, the design evolved, becoming more intricate and detailed, and eventually leading to metal versions.
While the ancient Egyptians are known for their early use of candle-like objects, the specific details of their trade are not extensively documented. However, it is clear that their innovations laid the groundwork for future advancements in candle-making, with the ancient Romans introducing molded candles made from tallow or beeswax, and candle-making becoming an essential trade during the Middle Ages.
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Clay candle holders
The use of candles dates back to ancient times, with the earliest known use attributed to the Ancient Egyptians. While there is little information about their origin, there is evidence that candles played a significant role in ancient Egyptian culture. One of the earliest indications of candle usage in ancient Egypt is not the candle itself, but rather a clay candle holder dating back to the Fourth Dynasty (c. 2575-2130 BCE). These clay candle holders were simple in design, similar to those found in Bronze Age Crete and later examples from Cyprus.
In addition to their functional purpose, clay candle holders also held religious and symbolic significance in ancient Egypt. A relief in the tomb of Pharaoh Amenemhat I (c. 1962 BCE) depicts a boat with a lit lamp or candle in front of a white cabin, with a kneeling priest at the front. The scenes surrounding this relief suggest rituals associated with the procession of the pharaoh's coffin, indicating the importance of candlelight in funerary rites.
The discovery of clay candle holders and their association with ancient Egyptian rituals highlight the cultural and spiritual value attached to candlelight in this ancient civilization. While the specific designs and decorations of these clay holders may vary, their presence underscores the enduring significance of light, both literally and metaphorically, in ancient Egyptian society.
While the clay candle holders from ancient Egypt provide insights into early candle usage, it is important to note that the specific details of candle production and usage during that time remain obscure. The evolution of candle-making techniques and the introduction of different materials, such as beeswax and spermaceti wax, in later periods further transformed the nature of candles and lighting practices. Nonetheless, the clay candle holders stand as a testament to the ingenuity and cultural significance of candlelight in ancient Egypt.
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Religious significance
The use of candles in ancient Egypt is believed to have started around 3,000 B.C. with the invention of rushlights, also known as torches, which were made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. These early candles lacked a wick, a characteristic of true candles, which was later introduced by the Ancient Romans.
The religious significance of candles in ancient Egypt is evident through their use in various rituals and ceremonies. For example, a relief in the tomb of Pharaoh Amenemhat I (ca. 1962 BCE) depicts a boat with a lit lamp or candle in front of a white cabin, with a kneeling priest at the front. The scenes surrounding this relief are believed to reflect rites associated with the procession of the pharaoh's coffin.
Additionally, candles are mentioned in ancient Egyptian religious texts, such as the Book of the Dead, highlighting their symbolic and religious importance. While the full extent of candle usage in ancient Egypt may not be known, it is clear that candles played a role in religious practices and held symbolic value for the ancient Egyptians.
Candles made from beeswax were also used in ancient Egyptian religious ceremonies. The use of beeswax candles, which burned cleanly and emitted a pleasant scent, may have contributed to the religious significance of these rituals. Beeswax candles were likely more expensive and accessible only to the wealthy, further associating them with religious ceremonies and practices.
Furthermore, the ancient Egyptians worshipped a sun god named Ra, and fire was considered the physical expression of their highest deity. This belief in the spiritual and philosophical importance of light may have contributed to the religious significance of candles in ancient Egypt, as they symbolized light and illumination.
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Oil lamps
Lamps could also be made from soft animal fat, but this produced a lot of smoke when burnt. The ancient Egyptians used butter and animal fat in their lamps when digging out the pharaohs' tombs in the Valley of the Kings, but not when painting the walls inside the tombs, as the smoke would have damaged the artwork.
Over time, the design of oil lamps evolved. The rim of the dish was first pinched and then steadily closed over, allowing for more intricate details, such as scenes or prayers, to be added to the external side. Eventually, metal versions of oil lamps were created, usually made from a copper alloy.
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Rushlights
The ancient Egyptians are credited with creating the first candles around 3,000 BCE. These were known as rushlights and were made by soaking the dried pith or core of the rush plant, or reeds, in melted animal fat or grease. Rushlights lacked a wick, which is a key characteristic of true candles, and produced a smoky flame with a foul odour.
Following the invention of rushlights, the Romans created the first wicked candles, marking a major step forward in the evolution of candles. They achieved this by dipping rolled papyrus in melted animal tallow or beeswax. Beeswax candles burned more cleanly and emitted a pleasant smell, but they were also more expensive.
Over time, various civilizations, including the Chinese and Japanese, developed their own forms of candles using different types of wax, including plant and insect-based waxes. In the Middle Ages, beeswax candles gained popularity in Europe, especially for use in churches and the homes of the wealthy. However, animal-based tallow candles remained the common household candle for Europeans due to their lower cost.
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Frequently asked questions
The first candles in ancient Egypt were made from rushes or reed piths soaked in animal fat and lacked the wick characteristic of modern candles. These candles were primarily used for illumination in homes, temples, and tombs, as well as for religious ceremonies and rituals.
The exact timeline of when candles were first traded in ancient Egypt is unknown. However, the use of candles can be traced back to around 3000 BC.
The ancient Egyptians used candles for various purposes, including illumination, religious ceremonies, and rituals. They were also likely used to distinguish nobility from commoners, as fragrant products were considered a luxury only the wealthy could afford.
