Ben Carter
The use of candles dates back to around 3000 B.C., when ancient Egyptians used papyrus reeds dipped in animal fat as torches. The act of lighting a candle is often associated with creating a sense of inner stillness and connectedness to a global community. When a candle is lit, the heat of the flame melts the wax surrounding the wick, causing it to vaporize through a combustion reaction. This process releases light, heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapour. While candles have been a popular gift and source of light for centuries, there are also concerns about the chemicals released during combustion, particularly from paraffin candles, which have been linked to potential health risks.
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What You'll Learn
Candle safety
Candles are a part of many celebrations, but open flames make them dangerous if they are knocked over or placed too close to flammable objects. On average, 20 home candle fires are reported each day, with 21% caused by candles being left unattended, discarded, or misused. To ensure candle safety, follow these guidelines:
Candle Placement
- Place candles at least 12 inches away from anything that may catch fire, including furniture, curtains, paper, and decorations.
- Ensure burning candles are at least three inches apart from each other to prevent melting or improper burning due to drafts.
- Use stable, heat-resistant candle holders designed for candle use, large enough to catch any dripping wax.
Candle Care
- Before lighting, trim the wick to 1/4 inch to prevent uneven burning, dripping, or flaring.
- Keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches, and debris.
- Discontinue burning a candle when 1/2 inch of wax remains in the container or 2 inches for a pillar candle.
- Extinguish the candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly.
General Safety
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
- Do not use candles as a night light or when you may fall asleep.
- During a power outage, use flashlights or battery-powered lights instead of candles.
- Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles without the fire risk.
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Candle-making
First, gather your supplies. You'll need wax, which can be natural soy wax or beeswax, a stovetop or similar heat source to melt the wax, a melting pot or glass measuring cup, a larger pot for creating a double boiler, and a container for your finished candle. If you want to add colour and scent to your candle, you can use non-toxic crayons and essential oils. You'll also need wicks, and wooden clothespins can be useful for holding the wicks in place while the wax sets.
Next, measure out your wax. The easiest way to do this is to fill your chosen container with wax pellets and then weigh them. This will help you determine how much scent oil to add later. Place your wax in the melting pot and create a double boiler by filling the larger pot with enough water to cover the melting pot halfway. Heat the water over medium heat and place the melting pot inside. You can also melt the wax directly in the larger pot, but be careful not to make the wax too hot, as it will ruin and create a mess.
Once your wax is melted, you can add your chosen colour and scent. If using crayons, drop in the desired number of crayon colouring bricks and stir until they are fully melted. Then, carefully pour the wax into your chosen container, stopping about an inch from the top. Centre your wick in the container, holding it in place with a wooden clothespin if needed.
Allow your candle to harden completely. This may take a few hours. Once hardened, trim the wick, and your candle is ready to use or gift!
Remember, candle-making can be a messy process, so be prepared with dedicated tools and containers that you may not be able to use for other purposes afterward. Always exercise caution when working with hot wax and open flames, and enjoy your handmade creations!
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History of candles
Candles have been used as a source of light and in religious celebrations for more than 5,000 years. The earliest use of candles is often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who made rushlights by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. However, it is unclear when and where candles were first used. Objects that could be candle holders have been found in Babylonian and middle Minoan cultures, as well as in the tomb of Tutankhamun.
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, which was common during the Tang and Sung dynasties, or from stillingia tallow from the Chinese tallow tree. In India, candle wax was made by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree. In Europe, candles were primarily made from tallow and beeswax from the Roman period until the modern era. In the Middle Ages, beeswax candles were introduced in Europe, which burned cleanly and emitted a pleasant smell.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, spermaceti, a wax obtained by crystallizing sperm whale oil, became available in large quantities due to the growth of the whaling industry. Spermaceti was harder than tallow or beeswax and produced a brighter light without an unpleasant odour. In the 1820s, French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fatty acids, leading to the development of stearin wax, which was hard, durable, and burned cleanly.
In the 19th century, candle-making was revolutionized with the introduction of large-scale industrial manufacturing techniques for mass production. However, with the arrival of electric lighting, candle use declined. Candles enjoyed a resurgence in popularity during the first half of the 20th century, and in the 1990s, there was an unprecedented surge in their popularity, with new types of candle waxes being developed. Today, candles are a multi-billion dollar industry, with scented candles gaining particular popularity.
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Candle-lighting rituals
Candles have been used for light, warmth, and spiritual rituals since ancient times. The flickering flame of a candle often represents the soul and is considered a metaphor for hope, guidance, and the timeless battle between light and darkness.
In ancient civilisations, candles were made from animal fat or beeswax and were used as instruments to communicate with the divine. Egyptians, for instance, used candles in rituals to honour their gods and goddesses. They believed that the flame of a candle carried their prayers to the heavens. Similarly, in Hinduism, candles or oil lamps called diyas are lit during Diwali, the Festival of Lights, to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
In contemporary spiritual and magical practices, candles are used in spellwork to concentrate intention and energy. A practitioner may carve symbols or words into a candle, anoint it with oils, and light it while visualising their desired outcome. The colour of the candle also holds significance. For instance, red candles are associated with love and passion, while black candles are used in protective or banishing rituals.
Candles are also used in religious ceremonies and cultural festivities. For instance, in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, St. Lucia's Day is celebrated with a procession of girls wearing candle crowns, symbolising light and hope during the dark winter months. The tradition of lighting Advent candles also originated among German Lutherans in the 19th century. Each candle holds a sacred significance, with the first candle lit to inspire hope, the second for peace, the third for joy, and the fourth for love.
Today, candles are often lit to create a soft and calming atmosphere or to aid in meditation and reflection.
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Candle alternatives
Candles are a great way to create a warm and inviting ambiance in your home, but they may not always be the most practical or safest option. If you're looking for alternatives to candles, here are some great options to consider:
Battery-Operated Candles
Battery-operated candles are a fantastic alternative if you're looking for the same warm and inviting vibe as traditional candles without the fire hazard. These candles use batteries to produce a flickering flame effect, creating a cozy atmosphere without the risk of an open flame. They are a safe option, especially if you have children or pets around.
Wax Warmers
Wax warmers, also known as candle warmers, are another excellent candle alternative. They melt scented candles or wax melts from the bottom up, releasing fragrance without the need for a flame. Wax warmers are a safer option than traditional candles and can help extend the life of your scented candles by preserving the wax. Some wax warmers even come with timers, allowing you to control how long they stay on.
Essential Oil Diffusers
Essential oil diffusers offer a natural way to fragrance your home. They use essential oils to fill your space with aroma, creating a soothing and therapeutic atmosphere. Diffusers come in various types, including reed diffusers and electric diffusers, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. Reed diffusers, in particular, offer a long-lasting fragrance that can fill your home with scent for months.
Fairy Lights
If you're looking for ambiance without the scent, fairy lights are a perfect choice. They create a magical and whimsical atmosphere, adding a soft glow to any space. Fairy lights are versatile and can be used in many ways, from wrapping them around bed frames to placing them in jars for a cozy lighting effect.
Natural Beeswax Candles
While still a type of candle, natural beeswax candles offer a healthier alternative to traditional paraffin wax candles. Beeswax candles are made from natural ingredients, such as beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax, and are often scented with essential oils or natural fragrances. They burn cleaner and produce fewer toxins, making them a better option for your indoor air quality.
These alternatives provide similar benefits to traditional candles without the potential risks associated with open flames or harmful chemicals. Whether you're looking for ambiance, fragrance, or both, these options can help you create a cozy and inviting space in your home.
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Frequently asked questions
Shabbat candles are lit on Friday evenings, 18 minutes before sunset. They must burn for at least two to three hours and should not be extinguished but allowed to burn all the way down.
Lighting candles at a wedding, also known as a Unity Candle Ceremony, symbolizes the joining of two individuals and their families. The couple lights a unity candle together, using their individual lit candles, representing their enduring commitment and new beginnings.
Candles are typically lit after dusk or in the evening when there is a need for light. However, on rainy or overcast days, they may be lit earlier in the afternoon to create a cozy atmosphere.
