Ben Carter
Candle holders have been used throughout history, with some of the earliest examples dating back to ancient times. Over the years, various types of candle holders have been used, including candlesticks, candelabras, and chandeliers. Candelabras, for example, were popular in Roman times and consisted of a stalk or reed with a base resting on three lions' or griffins' feet. In the early 18th century, candelabras became more portable, and terms like branches, chandeliers, and girandoles were used interchangeably with candelabras. Today, candle holders are mostly used for decorative purposes, with materials ranging from glass and crystal to stone and porcelain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To hold a candle in place |
| Parts | Base, column, capital, sleeve of the sconce, drip pan, labra, cup or spike ("pricket") |
| Types | Candelabra, candlesticks, lanterns, votive, dish, wax warmer, metal, wood, plastic, stone, porcelain, glass, fireplace, taper, ball, flameless/LED, gothic romantic, lyre, girandole, Corinthian, Ionic, Composite, Doric, taperstick |
| Placement | Table, fireplace mantel, guéridon, torchère, floor, wall |
| Usage | Decorative, religious rituals, spiritual means, special occasions |
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What You'll Learn
Candelabra
In the ancient world, candelabra were used in religious contexts. A notable example is the seven-armed candelabrum or menorah, mentioned in the Hebrew Bible with instructions for its creation given to Moses. The menorah has since become a symbol of Judaism and an Emblem of Israel. Candelabra were also used in churches, such as the bronze example made by Callimachus for the Erechtheion in Athens, to carry the lamp sacred to Athena.
In the 4th century, Pope Sylvester I presented churches with brass candelabra inlaid with silver. Candelabra were commonly found in religious buildings, but they were also used in the homes of the wealthy. By the 17th century in France, candelabra were defined as having "several branches", although they existed in other forms. In England in the early 18th century, the term candelabra could be used interchangeably with a number of other terms, such as branches, chandeliers, lustres, girandoles, and wall-lights.
Today, candelabra are mostly used as decorative elements in the home, although they are still used in religious contexts in Judaism and Christianity.
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Candlesticks
In Christian churches, tall candlesticks and altar lamps are commonly found. In the Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, bishops use a special set of two- and three-branched candelabras, called the dikirion and trikirion, to bless people during worship services. Candelabra with prickets may also be used in churches to hold candles.
In the past, candle holders were rare in ordinary households due to the expense of good wax candles. However, with the advent of electricity, candle holders have largely become decorative items used to add height and dimension to a surface, or to create a particular atmosphere or ambience. Candlesticks and candelabras are often used to illuminate a dining table, for example, or to decorate a fireplace.
There are many different styles of candlesticks, including the Corinthian, Solomonic, Ionic, and Doric styles, which feature columns ornamented with vertical fluted decorations, spiralling helix forms, or other designs. Another style is the lyre candlestick, which takes the form of a musical instrument with five metal 'strings' and a mirrored scrolling border.
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Lanterns
In the past, lanterns were a necessity for lighting dark spaces before the widespread use of electricity. They were used both indoors and outdoors, providing illumination for homes, public buildings, and during travel. Today, lanterns are mostly decorative, evoking a sense of nostalgia and charm.
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Votives
Votive holders are a perfect decor piece for any event, and they can be added to a centerpiece or placed around the event space. They can also be used to create a dazzling effect at a wedding or other special occasions. For example, tealights in candle holders can be paired with strings of garland or other florals and greenery at tablescapes.
Votive holders can also be used to create a spa-like atmosphere in your home. Glass votive candle holders can be lit in your bathroom, placed on a bathtub tray, counter, or window ledge. Votive holders can also be used in other areas of the home, such as a lantern on a shelf, wall, or patio tray.
Votive holders are available in a range of finishes, such as gold, copper, bronze, silver, brass, antique white, and black. They can be chosen to match a classic or modern style and can be purchased at a variety of price points, with some votive holders starting at $8.
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Dish candle holders
The term "candelabra" is used to refer to a candle holder with multiple arms, or branches, that is placed on a surface. Candelabra were used in the ancient world and were mentioned in the Bible. They are also used in modern times for decorative purposes.
A type of candelabra, the candlestick, is a device used to hold a candle in place. Candlesticks are sometimes called "candle holders" and can have a cup, a spike ("pricket"), or both to keep the candle in place. Before the advent of electricity, candlesticks were used to carry candles between rooms.
A subcategory of candlesticks is the chamberstick, a short candlestick with a pan to catch dripping wax. Chambersticks were used to carry candles between rooms before the proliferation of electricity.
Candle dishes are another type of candle holder. These are often made of crystal and can add an elegant, refined look to a space. They can also be used for other purposes, such as holding small jewellery items.
In addition to these, there are also wall-mounted candle holders, such as sconces, which were popular in the 18th century.
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Frequently asked questions
Old candle holders are called candlesticks or candelabras.
A candlestick is a device used to hold a candle in place. Candlesticks have a cup or a spike ("pricket") or both to keep the candle in place.
A candelabra is a branched candle holder that supports multiple candles.
