Jessie Taylor
In the 9th century, or the 800s, candles were primarily made from natural materials readily available in different regions. In Europe, beeswax was the most common material used for candle-making, particularly in churches and among the wealthy, due to its clean-burning properties and pleasant aroma. However, beeswax was expensive, so the majority of the population relied on tallow, a byproduct of animal fat, which was more affordable but produced a smoky, unpleasant odor. In other parts of the world, such as Asia and the Middle East, candles were often made from plant-based materials like candlenut oil or rice paper, reflecting the diverse resources and cultural practices of the time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Tallow (animal fat), beeswax, or vegetable oils (e.g., olive oil) |
| Wick Material | Cotton, flax, or hemp fibers |
| Availability | Limited; beeswax was expensive, tallow was more common |
| Scent | Tallow candles had a strong, unpleasant odor; beeswax was naturally sweet |
| Burn Quality | Beeswax burned cleaner and longer; tallow produced more smoke |
| Cost | Beeswax was costly; tallow was affordable for common use |
| Color | Tallow candles were yellowish; beeswax was naturally light-colored |
| Cultural Significance | Beeswax candles were often used in religious ceremonies |
| Geographic Use | Widespread in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia |
| Durability | Beeswax candles were more durable and less prone to melting |
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What You'll Learn
- Animal Fat Tallow: Common candle material, rendered from beef or mutton suet, widely used in Europe
- Beeswax Candles: Expensive, clean-burning, and smokeless, primarily used in churches and by the wealthy
- Plant-Based Waxes: Derived from plants like bayberries or candelilla, used in specific regions for candles
- Rushlights: Simple, dipped rushes in fat, providing cheap, temporary light for peasants
- Fish Oil Candles: Utilized in coastal areas, made from fish liver oil, emitting strong odors
Animal Fat Tallow: Common candle material, rendered from beef or mutton suet, widely used in Europe
In the 800s, long before the advent of petroleum-based products, animal fat tallow was a cornerstone of European candle-making. Derived primarily from beef or mutton suet, this material was both accessible and practical for a society reliant on agriculture and livestock. Rendering tallow involved melting the raw fat to separate it from impurities, a process that could be done in any hearth, making it a household staple. This method not only provided light but also ensured that no part of the animal went to waste, aligning with the resourcefulness of medieval life.
The process of rendering tallow begins with trimming excess tissue from suet, the hard fat found around an animal’s kidneys and loins. For every kilogram of suet, expect to yield approximately 700–800 grams of usable tallow. Place the suet in a cast-iron pot over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. As the fat melts, impurities will rise to the surface; skim these off for a cleaner burn. Once fully rendered, strain the liquid through a fine cloth into molds or containers. For candle-making, wick placement is critical: dip a cotton wick in melted tallow, let it cool, and repeat until it’s thick enough to stand upright in the mold. This method, though time-consuming, produces candles that burn steadily and emit a warm, faintly meaty scent.
While tallow candles were ubiquitous, they were not without drawbacks. Their smoke contained more particulate matter than modern alternatives, contributing to indoor air pollution—a concern in poorly ventilated medieval homes. Additionally, tallow candles had a lower melting point than beeswax, making them prone to dripping and deformation in warmer temperatures. Despite these limitations, their affordability and availability made them indispensable. For those recreating historical practices today, using tallow candles in well-ventilated spaces or opting for modern, filtered versions can mitigate these issues while preserving the authentic ambiance.
Comparatively, tallow candles stood in stark contrast to beeswax candles, which were more expensive and reserved for the wealthy or religious ceremonies. Beeswax burned cleaner and brighter, but its production was labor-intensive and dependent on beekeeping expertise. Tallow, on the other hand, was a byproduct of meat consumption, making it a democratic source of light for the masses. This duality highlights the social stratification of the era, where even illumination was a marker of class. For historians and reenactors, understanding this distinction offers insight into daily life and economic structures of the 800s.
In conclusion, animal fat tallow was more than just a candle material—it was a testament to medieval ingenuity and sustainability. Its widespread use in Europe during the 800s reflects a society that maximized resources out of necessity. For modern enthusiasts, experimenting with tallow candle-making provides a tangible connection to the past, though with the caveat of managing its practical limitations. Whether for historical accuracy or curiosity, tallow remains a fascinating example of how everyday materials shaped pre-industrial life.
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Beeswax Candles: Expensive, clean-burning, and smokeless, primarily used in churches and by the wealthy
In the 9th century, beeswax candles were the epitome of luxury illumination, reserved for the most sacred spaces and affluent households. Their clean-burning properties and minimal smoke made them ideal for churches, where air quality and visibility during long services were paramount. Unlike tallow or resin-based candles, beeswax candles did not emit a pungent odor or leave behind soot, ensuring that religious ceremonies remained undisturbed by the distractions of inferior lighting. This purity came at a steep price, however, as beeswax was labor-intensive to produce and scarce compared to animal fats, making it a symbol of wealth and devotion.
To craft a beeswax candle in the 800s, one would begin by sourcing high-quality beeswax, typically harvested from beehives during the warmer months. The wax would then be cleaned of impurities, melted, and poured into molds or dipped around a wick, often made of flax or hemp. For optimal performance, the wick should be trimmed to a quarter-inch before each use to prevent smoking and ensure a steady flame. Churches and wealthy households would often stockpile these candles, using them sparingly for special occasions or nightly prayers, as their cost prohibited daily use.
The exclusivity of beeswax candles highlights the stark social divide of the era. While the wealthy and clergy enjoyed their clean, smokeless light, the majority of the population relied on tallow or resin candles, which were cheaper but far less pleasant. This disparity extended beyond mere convenience; beeswax candles were a status symbol, signaling both affluence and piety. In churches, their use underscored the sanctity of the space, while in homes, they served as a tangible display of prosperity and refinement.
For modern enthusiasts seeking to recreate the ambiance of 9th-century lighting, beeswax candles remain a viable option. Today, they are readily available in specialty stores and online, often infused with natural scents like honey or lavender. When purchasing, opt for pure beeswax candles without synthetic additives to replicate the historical experience. To maximize their lifespan, burn them in draft-free areas and avoid placing them near flammable materials. While no longer a marker of wealth, beeswax candles continue to offer a clean, timeless glow that connects us to centuries of illumination practices.
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Plant-Based Waxes: Derived from plants like bayberries or candelilla, used in specific regions for candles
In the 800s, long before the widespread use of petroleum-based paraffin wax, plant-based waxes were a cornerstone of candle-making in specific regions. Derived from plants like bayberries and candelilla, these natural waxes offered a sustainable and locally sourced alternative to animal fats, which were more commonly used in Europe. The utilization of plant-based waxes highlights the ingenuity of ancient cultures in harnessing their immediate environment to meet practical needs.
Bayberry Wax: A Colonial and Indigenous Staple
Bayberry wax, extracted from the fruits of the bayberry shrub, was particularly prominent in North America. Indigenous peoples and early European settlers boiled bayberries in water, skimming the wax that rose to the surface. This process, though labor-intensive, yielded a fragrant, green-hued wax that burned cleanly and emitted a pleasant aroma. To create a bayberry candle, one would typically boil 2–3 cups of bayberries in water for 3–4 hours, strain the mixture, and refrigerate it to solidify the wax. This wax was then molded around a wick, often made from braided plant fibers. While bayberry candles were prized for their scent and quality, their production was limited by the seasonal availability of the berries, making them a luxury item.
Candelilla Wax: A Desert Resource
In contrast, candelilla wax, derived from the leaves of the candelilla plant native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States, was a staple in arid regions. The wax was extracted by boiling the plant’s stems and leaves, a process that required less labor than bayberry extraction but still demanded precision. Candelilla wax is harder and more heat-resistant than bayberry wax, making it ideal for warmer climates. It was often used in molded candles or as a coating for other materials to enhance their burn time. Today, candelilla wax remains a popular vegan alternative to beeswax, but in the 800s, it was a regional necessity, shaped by the desert’s limited resources.
Comparative Advantages and Limitations
While both bayberry and candelilla waxes were plant-based, their properties and uses differed significantly. Bayberry wax’s soft texture and aromatic qualities made it a favorite for household use, but its production was constrained by geography and seasonality. Candelilla wax, on the other hand, was more versatile and durable, though its extraction process was less accessible to communities outside its native range. These differences underscore how plant-based waxes were tailored to the specific needs and environments of their users, reflecting a deep understanding of local flora.
Practical Tips for Modern Use
For those interested in recreating historical plant-based candles, sourcing materials is key. Bayberries can be foraged in coastal regions of North America, while candelilla wax is available in specialty craft stores or online. When making bayberry candles, ensure the berries are fully ripe for maximum wax yield. For candelilla wax, blend it with softer waxes like soy to improve moldability. Both waxes burn best with cotton or hemp wicks, which minimize smoke and enhance longevity. By experimenting with these ancient techniques, we not only honor historical practices but also embrace sustainable alternatives to modern candle-making.
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Rushlights: Simple, dipped rushes in fat, providing cheap, temporary light for peasants
In the 9th century, long before the widespread availability of wax candles, peasants across Europe relied on rushlights—a simple yet ingenious solution for illumination. These makeshift candles were crafted by dipping the pithy stems of rushes (juncus species) into animal fat, typically tallow or grease saved from cooking. Once coated, the fat-saturated rush would be lit from the uncoated end, burning slowly and providing a modest, flickering light. This method was not only practical but also sustainable, utilizing readily available materials and byproducts of daily life.
To create a rushlight, one would first harvest rushes from wetlands or riverbanks, stripping away the outer leaves to expose the soft, spongy core. The stem, roughly the thickness of a pencil and up to two feet long, was then dipped repeatedly into melted fat until a sufficient layer had built up. A single rushlight burned for approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on its thickness and the quality of the fat used. While the light was dim and smoky, it sufficed for essential tasks like mending clothes, preparing meals, or navigating a dark cottage.
Compared to beeswax or tallow candles, rushlights were far more accessible to the lower classes. Beeswax was expensive and reserved for churches or the wealthy, while even tallow candles required dedicated rendering and molding. Rushlights, in contrast, demanded no specialized tools or skills, making them a staple in peasant households. Their ephemeral nature also reflected the transient, frugal lifestyle of the time—light was a luxury, not a constant.
Despite their simplicity, rushlights were not without drawbacks. The open flame posed a fire hazard, particularly in thatched-roof dwellings, and the smoke could irritate eyes and lungs. Additionally, the light’s short duration meant multiple rushlights were needed for extended tasks. Yet, for those with limited resources, rushlights were a lifeline, bridging the gap between daylight and darkness in a world where artificial light was a rare commodity.
Today, rushlights serve as a reminder of human ingenuity in the face of scarcity. While they’ve long been replaced by safer, longer-lasting alternatives, their legacy endures as a testament to the resourcefulness of medieval peasants. For modern enthusiasts of historical crafts, recreating rushlights offers a tangible connection to the past—a chance to experience, however briefly, the light that once guided our ancestors through the night.
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Fish Oil Candles: Utilized in coastal areas, made from fish liver oil, emitting strong odors
In the 9th century, coastal communities turned to the sea for illumination, crafting candles from fish liver oil—a resource as abundant as it was pungent. This practice, born of necessity, highlights the ingenuity of early lighting solutions. Fish oil candles were not merely a byproduct of the day’s catch but a deliberate, labor-intensive process. Fishermen extracted oil from the livers of cod, haddock, and other fatty species, rendering it into a combustible substance. The result? A flickering light that warded off darkness but came with a strong, unmistakable odor—a small price for the gift of sight after sundown.
To create a fish oil candle, one would first collect fish livers, typically from freshly caught specimens, as freshness ensured higher oil quality. The livers were then cleaned and boiled in a pot over an open flame, a step that separated the oil from the tissue. For every kilogram of livers, approximately 200–300 milliliters of oil could be extracted, depending on the fish species. This oil was strained through cloth to remove impurities and poured into a container—often a hollowed-out stone or seashell—with a wick made of twisted seaweed or linen. The wick absorbed the oil, allowing it to burn steadily. Caution was essential, as the oil’s flammability posed a fire risk if mishandled.
While fish oil candles were practical, their use was not without drawbacks. The odor, akin to a mix of brine and burnt fat, could permeate homes and clothing, a trade-off for their affordability and availability. Coastal dwellers, however, grew accustomed to the scent, viewing it as a reminder of their connection to the sea. These candles were particularly valuable in regions where alternatives like beeswax or tallow were scarce or expensive. For families relying on fishing for sustenance, fish oil candles represented a dual-purpose solution: the fish fed them, and their livers lit their evenings.
Comparatively, fish oil candles were less refined than their tallow or beeswax counterparts but far more accessible to those living near water. While tallow candles burned cleaner and beeswax exuded a pleasant aroma, neither could match the resourcefulness of fish oil in coastal areas. This disparity underscores the adaptability of human innovation in the face of limited resources. Fish oil candles were not just a light source; they were a testament to the symbiotic relationship between early societies and their environments.
For modern enthusiasts seeking to recreate this historical practice, safety and sustainability are key. Use non-endangered fish species and ensure the oil is thoroughly cleaned to minimize odor. A wick made from organic cotton or hemp can provide a cleaner burn. While the process may seem archaic, it offers a tangible link to the past—a way to appreciate the challenges and triumphs of our ancestors. Fish oil candles remind us that light, in any form, has always been a beacon of human resilience.
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Frequently asked questions
In the 800s, candles were often made from tallow (animal fat), beeswax, or fish oil, depending on the region and availability of resources.
Beeswax candles were more expensive and less common, primarily used by the wealthy, churches, and nobility due to their cleaner burn and pleasant scent.
Tallow candles were made by rendering animal fat (usually from cows or sheep), pouring it into molds, and inserting a wick, often made from twisted plant fibers.
Yes, in coastal regions, fish oil was used to make candles, especially in areas where animal fat and beeswax were scarce.
Wicks were typically made from natural materials like twisted plant fibers, cotton, or papyrus, depending on what was locally available.
