Maddie James
The Iliad, an ancient Greek epic poem traditionally attributed to Homer, describes the events surrounding the Trojan War. With its intricate descriptions of heroic battles, complex characters, and divine interventions, it stands as one of the foundational works of Western literature. While it offers a vivid glimpse into the ancient world, the question arises: did this world, depicted so vividly, include candles? The answer is not entirely clear. While candles were likely not in the form we know them today, early lighting devices, such as torches, oil lamps, and primitive wicks in containers filled with flammable material, were used since the Paleolithic period.
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What You'll Learn
Candles in ancient Egypt
Candles have been used as a source of light and in celebrations for thousands of years. The earliest use of candles is often attributed to Ancient Egypt, with some sources claiming that the Egyptians were using wicked candles as early as 3000 B.C. These early candles were likely made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in animal fat to create rushlights or torches. This type of candle, also known as a ""rushlight" candle, is believed to have been invented around 3000 B.C. in Ancient Egypt.
The Ancient Egyptians are known for their appreciation of fragrances, and they are credited with the earliest use of candles for religious ceremonies. They believed that fragrances were the sweat of Ra, one of their most important gods, the sun god. The use of scents was also associated with nobility, as the ingredients used to create them were expensive and traded internationally.
While the Ancient Egyptians are believed to have used wickless candles, the Ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle before that time. They created dipped candles by repeatedly dipping rolled papyrus in melted tallow (animal fat) or beeswax. These candles burned with a smoky flame and emitted a foul odour.
In contrast, beeswax candles, which became common in Europe during the Middle Ages, burned cleanly and produced a pleasant sweet smell. Beeswax candles were also common in China during the Tang and Sung dynasties, and textual evidence suggests that candles made from whale fat may have been used in the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE). Additionally, in Japan, candles were made from wax extracted from tree nuts, while in India, candle wax was made by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree.
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The use of candles in the Bible
Candles have been used as a source of light and in religious celebrations for over 5,000 years. 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. The Ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle by dipping rolled papyrus in melted tallow or beeswax.
Candles are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. For example, in Luke 11:33, Jesus says: "No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light". This verse has inspired several Christian candle companies.
In another verse, Jesus says: "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life". The Bible also mentions the use of candles in the story of Moses and the tabernacle, which was a tent without windows, and therefore needed artificial light. Moses was commanded to make a lampstand, or "candelabrum", of fine gold, as described in Exodus 25:31-40 and 37:17-24.
Candles are also mentioned in the Book of Revelation, in a vision of the seven golden candlesticks, which represent the seven churches of Asia. The Bible also mentions the use of candles in the Feast of Dedication, or Hanukkah, which is the Jewish Festival of Lights that centres on the lighting of candles and dates back to 165 B.C.
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Candle usage in ancient Rome
The use of candles dates back thousands of years, with the earliest usage attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who made rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. Candles were also used in early religious ceremonies, such as Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, which dates back to 165 B.C.
The ancient Romans are credited with developing the wicked candle by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow (rendered animal fat) or beeswax. These dipped candles were cheap and easily available, making them the most widely used type of candle for centuries.
In Europe, from the Roman period until the modern era, candles were primarily made from tallow and beeswax. Beeswax candles, which were introduced in the 1500s, burned brighter and longer with less smoke and had a more pleasant smell than tallow candles. However, due to the difficulty in obtaining beeswax, these candles were mostly used by the upper classes and the Church.
While the use of candles in ancient Rome is well-documented, the term "Roman candle" today typically refers to a type of firework that ejects exploding shells. These fireworks originated in China and have only a nominal link to ancient Rome. Interestingly, the term "Roman candle" also refers to a torture mechanism, considered one of the worst and slowest execution methods.
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Candles in the Middle Ages
Candles have been used as a source of light and in celebrations for over 5,000 years, with the earliest use attributed to the Ancient Egyptians in 3,000 B.C. The Ancient Romans are credited with developing the wicked candle before this time by dipping rolled papyrus into melted tallow or beeswax. The first candles were made of wicks stuck into containers filled with a flammable material.
In the Middle Ages, a major improvement was made with the introduction of beeswax candles in Europe. Animal-based tallow, which was the most common candle type for centuries, burned with a smoky flame and produced a foul odour. In contrast, beeswax burned cleanly and emitted a pleasant, sweet smell. Catholic monks during the Middle Ages popularized beeswax candles, which are still in use today. The monks would spend hours hunting for honey in wild nests or creating openings in trees to house bee colonies. As demand increased, monasteries expanded their beekeeping capabilities, even creating dedicated patches of forest to nurture new colonies.
The use of beeswax was also significant due to its symbolic importance in Christianity. As Rebecca Haynes notes, the natural light of beeswax candles is seen as a symbol of Christ, and the scent of burning candles symbolises the presence of the Holy Spirit. Because of this, the Catholic Church has strict rules on the materials used to create holy objects.
Beeswax candlemaking was standardized during the Middle Ages, with rules mandating that candles be made with pure wax and blessed by a priest before use. The production of beeswax candles was a complex process. First, honeycomb made from wax secreted by worker bees was harvested from apiaries. The honeycomb was then boiled and cooled until soft, and a wick was dipped or rolled into the wax to create a candle.
Medieval coil candles, in particular, were made by softening wax in warm water and then gradually disposing of it around a cotton wick. Once the candle was large enough, it was rolled on a hardwood table to achieve a round, smooth shape.
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Candles in ancient China
Candles have been used as a source of light and in celebrations for over 5,000 years, although their exact origin is unknown. The ancient Egyptians used wicked candles around 3,000 B.C., and the Romans are credited with developing wicked candles before this by dipping rolled papyrus in tallow or beeswax.
Candles were certainly used in ancient China, where they played an important role in society and culture. The earliest textual evidence of candles in China comes from the Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE), where candles may have been made from whale fat. The word "zhu" was used for candle during the Warring States period (403-221 BCE), and some excavated bronzewares from this era feature a pricket thought to hold a candle.
During the Han dynasty (202 BCE-220 CE), there are hints that candles were made of beeswax. The Book of Jin, compiled in 648 CE, makes a solid reference to the use of beeswax candles by the statesman Zhou Yi, who died in 322 CE. An excavated earthenware bowl from the 4th century CE contains traces of wax, providing further evidence of candle use in ancient China.
Beeswax candles were widely used in the Tang and Song dynasties. The Tang dynasty, which lasted from 618-907 CE, is considered a high point in Chinese civilization, and there are numerous records of candle-making and usage from this period. During the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE), candles were used to measure the passage of time. Candle clocks would indicate when nearly one hour had passed, and sometimes sticks of incense with varying scents would mark the hours with a change in fragrance.
Today, candles continue to be an important part of traditional Chinese holidays and Buddhist rituals. On the final day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit outside houses to guide wayward spirits home, and families walk the streets carrying lighted lanterns. Candles are also used during the Mooncake Lampion Festival, the Hungry Ghost Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Buddhist rituals, candles are placed in front of shrines or statues of the Buddha as a mark of respect.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there were candles in the Iliad.
The type of candles mentioned in the Iliad is unclear, however, beeswax and tallow candles were common in Europe during that time period.
Yes, candles were used in ancient Greece, as well as in other ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China, and Japan.
Yes, in addition to candles, the Iliad also mentions fire and torches.
