Jessie Taylor
A group of candles is often referred to as a candelabrum (singular) or candelabra (plural). The term refers to a candle holder with multiple arms or branches that support multiple candles. Candelabra can be placed on surfaces such as tables or hung from the ceiling as chandeliers. They have been used throughout history, particularly in religious contexts, and continue to be used for aesthetic and ceremonial purposes today.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Term | Candelabra, candelabrum (plural candelabra), candlesticks |
| Definition | Branched candle holders that are placed on a surface such as the floor, stand, or tabletop |
| Parts | Capital, drip pan, labra, column, candle snuffer, candle follower, bobèche |
| Use | Religious and ceremonial contexts, emergency lighting during electrical power failures, aesthetic value and scent |
| Types of holders | Wall sconce-style, lantern-style, tapersticks, votive, tealight, hurricane, candelabra |
| Types of candles | Taper, votive, cartridge, wax-filled glass, soy, palm wax, bayberry, flameless |
| Wick types | Cotton, paper core, wooden, metal-cored |
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What You'll Learn
- Candelabras: branched candle holders that can be placed on a surface or hung from the ceiling
- Intercessory candles: small red candles lit for someone who is sick or in need
- Votive candles: burnt as an offering in prayer
- Taper candles: fit snugly into tapersticks and were used for lighting in the 17th century
- Wall sconce-style candle holders: add a warm illumination to a room
Candelabras: branched candle holders that can be placed on a surface or hung from the ceiling
Candelabras are branched candle holders that can be placed on a surface or hung from the ceiling. The term 'candelabra' is derived from the Latin word 'candēlābrum', which means a 'candlestick'. In the Roman period, candelabras were used in public buildings and had bulky supports made of stone or marble. They consisted of a base, a shaft, and a large cup or basin. In the Etruscan and Roman periods, simpler tall slender candelabras with three feet were used in domestic settings.
Candelabras can be distinguished from chandeliers, which are hung from the ceiling, by the fact that they are designed to stand on a surface such as a table, floor, or stand. They are also distinct from pendant lights, as chandeliers usually consist of multiple lamps and hang in branched frames, whereas pendant lights hang from a single cord and only contain one or two lamps with few decorative elements.
Candelabras have multiple arms or branches that support individual lights. The number of branches and their height, in addition to their age and composition, are used by collectors and salespeople to describe candelabras. On family dinner tables, four or five branches are usually sufficient to light the entire table. In public places, the distance from users might be a determining factor.
Candelabras were commonly found in religious buildings and the homes of the wealthy in the early period. This is because good wax candles were expensive, and only the wealthy could afford them. Cheaper tallow candles made of animal fat were smokey, burned quickly, and produced a bad smell. By the 17th century in France, César-Pierre Richelet defined a candelabra as "a large room candlestick which has several branches". In England in the early 18th century, the term candelabra was used interchangeably with branches, chandeliers, lustres, girandoles, and wall-lights.
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Intercessory candles: small red candles lit for someone who is sick or in need
A group of candles is called a candelabra. This term refers to a branched candle holder that supports multiple candles. The singular form of candelabra is candelabrum, derived from the Latin candēlābrum, which means a "candlestick".
Now, onto the topic of intercessory candles. These are small red candles that are lit with the intention of praying for someone who is sick or in need. They are also known as votive candles, derived from the Latin word "votum", meaning a vow, pledge, or religious undertaking. In the context of prayer, it signifies the fulfillment of a vow or the intention to seek help or give honor.
Intercessory or votive candles are often lit in Catholic churches, placed in front of or beside statues, icons, or symbols. This placement can indicate the intention of the prayer. For example, a candle lit before a statue of St. Jerome may be about children, while a candle lit before a crucifix may signify repentance, sacrifice, or gratitude.
The lighting of these candles is a symbolic act, representing the prayers of those who light them. In some churches, a board with the names of those for whom prayers are requested may be placed nearby. Additionally, a donation box is usually found near votive candles, allowing Christians to contribute to the cost of the candles and make offerings to the church.
Votive candles are also used in other Christian denominations, such as the United Methodist Church, Lutheran churches, and Reformed traditions. They are lit during specific liturgical celebrations or holy days, such as All Saints' Day and Totensonntag, to remember the departed and offer prayers for them.
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Votive candles: burnt as an offering in prayer
Votive candles are burnt as a religious symbol, with roots in the Old Testament, where "burnt offerings" were made to God. In the Old Testament, these offerings were usually animals or other things of value, such as oil, water, or grain. The practice of burning votive candles is a way to make an offering or sacrifice to God, with the candle symbolizing prayer, love, and devotion.
In the United Methodist Church, for example, votive candles are lit during the liturgical celebration of Allhallowtide, especially on All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day), where a prayer is said for each congregant who has died that year. Lutheran churches also use votive candles, which may be lit at home or in church, usually on altar rails or in front of the altar cross. They are also lit during the liturgy of Good Friday. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, candles are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ, and are usually long and thin, placed in round containers with sockets or in sand.
Votive candles are also used in the Reformed tradition, including Presbyterian and Congregationalist denominations, where they are lit during Totensonntag, a holy day commemorating the faithful departed. In the Roman Catholic Church, candles may be placed before a statue of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or another saint.
The burning of the candle symbolizes the continued presence of prayer and love even after the person who lit the candle has left. The smoke from the candle is also thought to carry prayers to heaven, though this is more symbolic than literal.
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Taper candles: fit snugly into tapersticks and were used for lighting in the 17th century
Taper candles, which fit snugly into tapersticks, were used for lighting as early as 3000 BC and continued to be used in the 17th century. In the 17th century, candle-making was a necessary task for the English, with one household consuming up to 400 candles per year. The cheapest option was to use tallow from livestock, but these candles produced an unpleasant odour and heavy smoke.
Taper candles are made from wicks that are soaked in wax and allowed to thicken. This process is repeated until the desired size is achieved. The conical shape of the candle forms naturally due to gravity. Tapers differ from candles in their raw material and wick composition. Tapers use oakum and other plant fibres soaked in fat, pitch, or oil, while candles are made from wax or paraffin with cotton wicks.
The word "candle" is reserved for instruments made exclusively of beeswax, which was the dominant material for candle-making in the Middle East during the Abbasid and Fatimid Caliphates. Beeswax candles were also used in Ancient Rome, but due to their high cost, they were limited to the wealthy, and oil lamps were more commonly used. By the 16th century, beeswax candles were considered luxury household items in Europe, and by the 17th century, they were widely used.
Candelabra, a form of candlestick, were used to hold candles. They were defined by César-Pierre Richelet in the 17th century as "a large room candlestick which has several branches". Candelabra were placed on surfaces such as mantels, tables, guéridons, torchères, or the floor if they were large. They were also used in religious contexts, such as in the Hebrew Bible and in medieval Christian churches.
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Wall sconce-style candle holders: add a warm illumination to a room
Wall sconce-style candle holders are a great way to add a warm and elegant illumination to any room. They are versatile and can accentuate any wall in your home. With a variety of styles, materials, and sizes available, you can easily find the perfect fit for your space.
Wall sconces come in different designs, from vintage to modern, and are made from various materials such as metal, wood, glass, and wrought iron. They can feature decorative elements like glass hurricanes or intricate scrollwork, adding a touch of sophistication and charm to your décor.
When choosing wall sconce candle holders, consider the overall aesthetic of the room and select a style that complements it. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern look or a more rustic and vintage feel, there are options available to suit your taste. You can also mix and match different styles of candle holders to create a unique and personalised look.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, wall sconce candle holders can also be functional. They can be used to provide soft and warm lighting, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere in your space. Place them in your living room, bedroom, or dining room to set the mood and enhance the ambiance.
Wall sconce-style candle holders are a simple yet effective way to elevate your home décor. They combine beauty and functionality, offering a warm illumination that transforms any room into a haven of sophistication and charm.
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Frequently asked questions
A group of candles is called a candelabra.
A candelabra is a branched candle holder that supports multiple candles. It can be placed on a surface such as a floor, stand, or tabletop.
Examples of candelabras include the menorah and hanukkiah, which are special kinds used in Judaism. Candelabras can also be found in churches and in homes as decorative lighting.
Other types of candle holders include chandeliers, wall sconces, tapersticks, votive candle holders, and tea light holders.
