Tyler Brooks
Candles are a source of light, heat, and fragrance, and have been used for over two millennia. They are made from solid, flammable fuel combined with an ignitable wick. The wax is the most important ingredient in a candle, with paraffin wax, beeswax, coconut wax, and soy wax being the most common types. Candles are used for functional, symbolic, and aesthetic purposes, as well as in specific cultural and religious settings. They are also used to set a soft, warm, or romantic ambiance and for emergency lighting during power outages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A candle is an ignitable wick embedded in wax or another flammable solid substance such as tallow. |
| Use | Candles are used for functional, symbolic, aesthetic, and cultural and religious purposes. |
| History | Candles have been used for over two millennia and were a significant form of indoor lighting until the invention of other light sources. |
| Production | Candle-making involves melting solid fuel by the controlled application of heat. |
| Materials | Candles are typically made from wax, including paraffin wax, beeswax, coconut wax, soy wax, and gel wax. |
| Wicks | The wick controls the size of the flame and the rate of burning. Self-trimming or self-consuming wicks were introduced in the 19th century. |
| Fragrance | Candles can be scented with fragrance oils, and their popularity grew during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Light | Candles provide a soft, warm light and can be used for ambient lighting or emergency lighting during power failures. |
| Heat | Candles can be a source of heat, with approximately one-fourth of the energy created by a candle's combustion radiating as heat. |
| Timekeeping | Candles were once used for keeping time, with marked time measurements or added weights. |
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What You'll Learn
Candles as a source of light
Candles are a source of light, and have been used for this purpose for over two millennia. Before the invention of electric lighting, candles were a significant form of indoor lighting. Candles are typically made from wax, or another flammable solid substance such as tallow, with an embedded wick. The heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick, which is then drawn up the wick by capillary action. The liquid wax is vaporised by the heat of the flame, and the resulting molecules of hydrogen and carbon react with oxygen from the air to create heat, light, water vapour and carbon dioxide.
The size of the flame and the corresponding rate of burning are controlled by the candle wick. If the wick is too large, the glass jar containing the candle can get too hot and shatter. Therefore, different wicks are used depending on the type of candle. The type of wax also affects the burn rate, with beeswax and coconut wax burning longer than paraffin or soy wax.
Candles were originally made from animal fats, such as tallow, or beeswax. Tallow was cheaper but less aesthetically pleasing. In the modern era, candles are typically made from paraffin wax, although soy and beeswax are also popular alternatives. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, and releases unwanted chemicals into the air when burned. It is also non-biodegradable. Soy wax, on the other hand, does not release the same harmful compounds. Beeswax is clean-burning but has a yellowish colour and a smell of honey, and is not considered vegan. Coconut wax is a natural, sustainable alternative that burns slowly and cleanly, and contains a subtle sweetness that complements other fragrances.
Candles are still used for lighting in areas without electricity, and in the developed world, they are used for their aesthetic value and scent. They are also commonly used in religious and ceremonial contexts, such as birthday cakes and Christmas celebrations.
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Candles as a tool for timekeeping
Candles have been used for timekeeping for millennia. The fairly consistent and measurable burning of a candle makes it a good tool for telling the time. Candles designed for this purpose might have time measurements, usually in hours, marked along the wax.
The Song dynasty in China (960–1279) used candle clocks. By the 18th century, candle clocks were being made with weights set into the sides of the candle. As the candle melted, the weights fell off and made a noise as they fell into a bowl.
The Standard, or International, Candle is a measurement of light source intensity. It was originally defined as a one-sixth-pound candle of sperm wax, burning at the rate of 120 grains per hour. This intensity of light was standardized in 1921 in terms of incandescent lamps, and candles are no longer used for reference.
The size of the flame and the corresponding rate of burning are controlled by the candle wick. The kind of wax also affects the burn rate, with beeswax and coconut wax burning longer than paraffin or soy wax.
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Candles in religious and cultural ceremonies
Candles have been used for over two millennia and were a significant form of indoor lighting until the invention of other light sources. They are still used routinely in areas without electricity. Candles are commonly used in religious and cultural ceremonies.
Christianity
The use of candles in Christian churches became firmly and universally established by the close of the 4th century. Miniature 'votive' candles are often used as part of prayer rituals or to honour God. Christian candles are frequently lit for prayers; lighting a candle for someone signifies an intention to pray for them. At every liturgical service, and especially at Mass and choir services, there must be at least two lighted tapers on the altar, as symbols of the presence of God and tributes of adoration.
Judaism
Judaism uses candles in much the same way as Christianity, especially in evoking quiet, calm atmospheres. However, Jewish candles play a more significant role in the home.
Buddhism
Candles are often placed in front of Buddhist shrines as a mark of respect or deference. They are used alongside incense to evoke the state of impermanence and change, a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy. The light from a candle is also said to symbolise the enlightenment of the Buddha. On the day before Buddhist Lent, the Thai people celebrate the Candle Festival, in which people gather with ornamented candles and march them in parades of colour and light.
Hinduism
Diwali, one of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrians revere fire as the visible expression of Ahura Mazda, the eternal principle of light and righteousness.
Other Cultural Uses
Candles are used in the Festival Egungun in Nigeria, which is dedicated to the spirits of ancestors. They are used to light the way for the spirits and allow them to return to the world of the living. Candles symbolise the memory of ancestors and protection from evil spirits. These rituals are an important part of Yoruba culture, emphasising the bond between the living and the dead.
Candles are also used in Halloween celebrations in the US, where traditionally, pumpkins are carved and candles are placed inside, creating lanterns called jack-o'-lanterns.
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Candles as a source of fragrance
Candles have been used for over two millennia, originally as a source of light. However, with the invention of electric lighting, candles became less necessary for illumination. Today, candles are used for their aesthetic value, scent, and to create a soft, warm, or romantic ambiance.
The introduction of fragrance oils to candle-making changed the game. Oils are blended with wax at a specific temperature, creating a smooth solution. These fragrance oils are chosen carefully to ensure safe levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and to reflect the many beautiful and unique scents of nature.
The type of wax used in a candle can affect its behaviour, the air quality in a room, and its environmental impact. Paraffin wax, for example, is cheap and easy to use, but it is derived from petroleum and releases unwanted chemicals into the air when burned. A 2009 study from South Carolina State University found that burning paraffin wax releases chemicals that can cause cancer, asthma, and can exacerbate common allergies.
Beeswax is another popular alternative, but it has a yellowish colour and a smell reminiscent of honey. Since beeswax is an animal product, it is not considered vegan. Coconut wax has become a popular addition to the wellness world, with a subtle sweetness that tends to work well with other fragrances. It also emits very little soot and is a good choice from a sustainability perspective. Soy wax is another popular alternative to paraffin, and is considered better for the environment.
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Candles as a design element
Candles are widely used as a design element, adding a soft, warm, and romantic ambiance to a space. They are particularly popular for creating a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere, often associated with "good vibes". The gentle light and, in some cases, pleasant fragrance of candles make them a versatile design accessory.
The design appeal of candles lies in their ability to enhance the aesthetic of a room, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. They are commonly used to set the mood for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and romantic dinners. Candles are also associated with relaxation and self-care, often used during baths or meditation practices to create a calming environment.
The visual appeal of candles is another reason for their popularity as a design element. They are available in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes, allowing for creative displays and centrepieces. Taper candles, for example, are tall and thin, requiring a holder for safety, while pillar candles are thicker and can burn for longer periods. The variety of options allows individuals to choose candles that complement their home décor and personal style.
The scent of candles also plays a crucial role in their design appeal. Scented candles have become increasingly popular, with sales surging during the COVID-19 lockdowns as people sought comfort and ambiance in their homes. Fragrance oils blended with wax allow for a wide range of unique and natural scents, such as cinnamon, coconut, and various botanical fragrances. These scented candles can transform the atmosphere of a space, evoking specific moods or memories and enhancing the overall design aesthetic.
Additionally, candles are often used as a design element in religious and ceremonial contexts. For example, Advent candles are burned in the days leading up to Christmas, and votive candles are used in religious ceremonies. Candles are also integral to candlelight vigils, where they serve as a symbol of remembrance, unity, or political expression.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles are considered a household staple, used for functional, symbolic, and aesthetic purposes. They are also used in specific cultural and religious settings.
Candles are typically made from wax, with a wick embedded in the centre. The most common type of wax used is paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. Other types of wax used include beeswax, coconut wax, soy wax, and plant waxes such as palm, carnauba, bayberry, or soybean wax.
When a candle is lit, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick. This liquid wax is drawn up the wick and vaporises, breaking down into molecules of hydrogen and carbon. These molecules react with oxygen in the air to create heat, light, water vapour, and carbon dioxide.
There are various types of candles, including taper candles, pillar candles, and votive candles. Taper candles are tall and thin, typically requiring a holder to burn safely. Pillar candles are thicker and can have one or multiple wicks. Votive candles are small, usually around 2.5 inches tall and 2 inches wide.
Candles provide soft, warm light and can also add fragrance to a space. They are often used to create a relaxing or romantic ambiance. In addition, candles can be used for emergency lighting during power outages and have been an essential source of light in areas without electricity.
