Ben Carter
Candles have been used for over two millennia and were a significant source of indoor lighting until the invention of other light sources. The ancient Romans are generally credited with developing wicked candles by dipping rolled papyrus in melted tallow or beeswax. These candles were used to light homes, aid travellers, and in religious ceremonies. In the Middle Ages, beeswax candles were introduced in Europe, burning cleanly and emitting a pleasant smell, unlike the cheaper alternative, tallow. In the 19th century, candle-making became a large-scale industrial manufacturing technique, and new types of candle waxes were developed in the 1990s. While candles are no longer a primary source of light, they continue to be used for functional, symbolic, and aesthetic purposes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When were candles first mentioned? | As early as the tenth century BCE |
| Who first mentioned candles? | The Han dynasty (202 BC–220 AD) Jizhupian dictionary of about 40 BC |
| What were early candles made of? | Wicks stuck into containers filled with a flammable material |
| Who made the first dipped candles? | The Romans, from rendered animal fat called tallow |
| What are other names for tallow? | Stearin, purified animal fats |
| What are other names for candles? | Courting candles, Advent candles, Hanukkah candles |
| What are courting candles? | Candles used by a father to set boundaries for his daughter's suitor |
| What are Advent candles? | Candles burned a set amount to represent each day leading up to Christmas |
| What are Hanukkah candles? | Candles used during the Jewish Festival of Lights, dating back to 165 B.C. |
| What are candles made of? | Wax, tallow, beeswax, paraffin wax, stearin, spermaceti, soybean wax, palm wax, whale fat, cinnamon wax, etc. |
| How are candles made? | Dipping, drawing, shaping by hand, pouring |
| What are candle holders called? | Hurricanes, bobèches |
| What are candle extinguishers called? | Candle snuffers |
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What You'll Learn
Candles in ancient civilisations
Candles have been used as a source of light and for celebrations for over 5,000 years. The earliest use of candles is often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who made torches by soaking reeds in melted animal fat. Objects that could be candle holders have been found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, and a possible depiction of a lit candle can be seen in the tomb of Amenemhat.
The ancient Romans are generally credited with developing wicked candles by dipping rolled papyrus in melted animal fat (tallow). Tallow was cheap and easily available, so tallow candles were the most widely used type of candle for centuries. In China, textual evidence suggests that candles may have been made from whale fat during the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE). Chinese candles may also have been made from beeswax or wax derived from insects. In Japan, candles were made of wax extracted from tree nuts, while in India, candle wax was made by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree.
In Christian churches, candles gained significance for their decorative, symbolic, and ceremonial uses. Wax candles were documented in Spain and Italy in the 4th century, and the Christian festival Candlemas was named after the candle. Beeswax candles were introduced in Europe during the Middle Ages. Unlike tallow, beeswax burned cleanly and emitted a pleasant smell. However, because beeswax was expensive, tallow remained the common household candle for Europeans.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the growth of the whaling industry brought the first major change in candlemaking since the Middle Ages. Spermaceti, a wax obtained from sperm whale oil, became available in quantity and was harder and brighter than tallow or beeswax.
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Candles in the Roman Empire
The term "Roman Candle" is now used to refer to a type of firework that originated in China. However, the name has a much darker origin, referring to a gruesome execution method employed by the Romans. Roman Emperor Nero is said to have punished devoted Christians by coating them with pitch, oil, wax, and other flammable materials, before lighting their feet and using them as human candles. These "Roman Candles" were used to light formal parties within the imperial gardens, prolonging the torture and pain of the victims, who were burned slowly from their feet up.
The Romans also used candles made from rendered animal fat, called tallow. Tallow was cheap and easily available, so tallow candles were the most widely used type of candle for centuries. They were made by dipping, a process that continued until the 1400s when French inventors introduced moulds for taper candles.
Some historians have cast doubt on the narrative of Christian persecution, but there are historical references that seem to back up this story. The Roman Candle firework may have been named after Emperor Nero's burning of Christians at the stake, although it has also been suggested that this is a marketing tactic to make fireworks seem more exotic and "highbrow".
Today, the use of the term Roman Candle to refer to fireworks is considered by many to be disgusting and gruesome, given the history behind the name.
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Candles in the Middle Ages
Beeswax candles were popularized by Catholic monks during this time, who made them from the wax of their apiaries. The process involved harvesting honeycomb, which is made from wax secreted by worker bees, and then boiling and cooling it until it was soft. The wick was then dipped into or rolled onto the wax to create a candle. As demand for beeswax candles grew, monasteries expanded their beekeeping capabilities, creating dedicated patches of forest to nurture new colonies.
Beeswax was also chosen for symbolic reasons. As wax produced by bees was considered the sweetest and purest type of wax, it was seen as ideal to symbolize Christ. The natural light of beeswax candles was thus seen as a symbol of the light of Christ, and the scent of burning candles as a symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Beeswax candles were widely used for church ceremonies, but because they were expensive, only the wealthy could afford to burn them in their homes. Tallow candles, made from rendered animal fat, were the common household candle for Europeans. By the 13th century, candlemaking had become a guild craft in England and France.
The making of beeswax candles started to be standardized during the Middle Ages, with rules calling for the candles to be made with pure wax and to be blessed by a priest before use. By the end of this period, a single beeswax candle in Europe could cost more than a day’s wage.
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Candles in the Industrial Revolution
Candles have been used for light and in religious ceremonies since ancient times. The earliest use of candles is often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who made rushlights by soaking the dried pith or core of the rush plant in melted animal fat or grease. These did not have wicks, however, and so were not true candles. The ancient Romans are generally credited with developing wicked candles by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax.
In the Middle Ages, beeswax candles were introduced in Europe, offering a cleaner, purer, and better-smelling alternative to tallow candles. However, due to the high cost of beeswax, tallow candles remained the common household candle for Europeans. In the 1500s, a French inventor introduced moulds for taper candles, marking a shift from the dipping method that had been used previously.
The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to candle-making. In the 1820s, a French chemist extracted stearic acid from animal fatty acids, leading to the development of stearin, a hard, clean-burning wax. Then, in 1834, inventor Joseph Morgan developed a machine that allowed for the continuous production of moulded candles, marking the birth of industrialized candles. This mechanized production method made candles affordable for the masses.
In the 1850s, chemists made another important breakthrough by successfully separating paraffin from petroleum and refining it into paraffin wax. Paraffin wax was odorless, clean-burning, and more economical to produce than other candle fuels. It burned consistently and had a bluish-white colour. However, its low melting point was a disadvantage. This issue was soon addressed by adding stearic acid, which had become widely available.
Despite these advancements, the candle-making industry went into decline in the late 19th century with the invention of the lightbulb in 1879. However, the growth of the oil and meatpacking industries in the first half of the 20th century led to an increase in the production of paraffin and stearic acid, resulting in a resurgence of candle-making. In the 1990s, new types of candle waxes were developed, including soybean wax and palm wax, leading to a surge in the popularity of candles as decorative items, mood-setters, and gifts.
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Candles in the modern era
Candles have come a long way since their ancient predecessors. In modern times, candles are no longer just a necessity for lighting dark spaces; they have become an integral part of our lifestyle and culture. From creating ambiance to enhancing self-care practices, candles today serve multiple purposes and come in a myriad of forms.
The modern candle-making process has evolved significantly. While traditional candles were often made from tallow (animal fat), modern candles are typically crafted from wax, with paraffin wax being the most common type used. This shift to paraffin wax began in the 19th century and offered several advantages, including a cleaner burn, reduced smoke, and a more consistent performance. Over time, other types of wax, such as soy wax, beeswax, and palm wax, have also gained popularity for their natural properties and sustainability.
The variety of candles available today is vast. They come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and scents, catering to diverse preferences and purposes. Pillar candles, for example, are thick candles that can burn for extended periods and are often used for decoration or to create a cozy atmosphere. Tea light candles, on the other hand, are small, inexpensive, and commonly used in oil burners or as floating candles in decorative centerpieces. Then there are tapered candles, which are slender and elegant, perfect for formal dinners or romantic settings.
Scented candles have become incredibly popular in modern times. They are used to enhance the ambiance and create a multisensory experience. From floral and fruity fragrances to earthy and woody scents, the options are endless. Many people also use scented candles for aromatherapy, as certain fragrances are believed to promote relaxation, improve mood, or boost energy levels.
Candles have also become integral to self-care rituals. The soft, warm glow of a candle can create a calming atmosphere, making it the perfect companion for a relaxing bath or a meditation session. Some candles are even infused with essential oils or botanical extracts, adding to the sensory experience and providing potential therapeutic benefits.
In conclusion, candles in the modern era have evolved far beyond their ancient counterparts. They are no longer just a source of light but have become multi-purpose tools that enhance our lifestyles and well-being. Whether it's creating a romantic ambiance, adding a decorative touch, or providing a moment of relaxation, candles continue to play an important role in our daily lives.
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Frequently asked questions
Old-time candles were called "courting candles". They were used by the father of the household to set boundaries for his daughter when her suitor came to call.
The father would light the candle in the sitting room where the couple would converse. When the candle burned down to the metal top of the candle holder, it was time for the suitor to leave. The father could also adjust the height of the candle depending on how comfortable he felt about the suitor.
Courting candles were made of tallow, beeswax, or spermaceti (from sperm whales). Tallow was the most common as it was cheap and easily available, but beeswax burned cleaner and emitted a pleasant smell.
No, with changing cultures, the popularity of courting candles has faded. Today, courting candles are mostly used as decorative pieces or collectibles.
