Tyler Brooks
The use of scented candles has evolved from ancient civilizations to the present, where they are now a staple in many homes. Initially, candles were primarily a source of light, but over time, their purpose expanded to include fragrance. Ancient Egyptians used candles for religious and practical purposes, employing beeswax for its sweet, honey-like scent. During the Renaissance, scented candles became popular among the aristocracy, especially in France, where fragrances like lavender, rose, and vanilla were favoured. In the 19th century, the invention of paraffin wax made candles more affordable and accessible, increasing the popularity of scented candles, particularly in the United States. The 1980s marked a significant shift, with candles gaining traction as decorative items, mood enhancers, and gifts, and by the 1990s, new types of candle waxes were being developed to meet the growing demand for scented varieties. Today, scented candles are used for aromatherapy, relaxation, and ambiance, with scientific research highlighting their benefits and contributing to their widespread appeal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity of scented candles | Increased in the 1980s with the self-care movement and aromatherapy |
| Ancient Egyptians | Used animal fat and reeds to make candles |
| Indians | Used cinnamon to extract wax for candles |
| Middle Ages | Beeswax candles were used in church ceremonies in Europe |
| 18th century | People used perfumes, fresh flowers, dried herbs, and aromatics to scent their homes |
| 19th century | Paraffin wax allowed for the addition of perfumes and scents to candles |
| 21st century | Increase in sales of scented candles, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic |
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What You'll Learn
Scented candles in ancient Egypt
The use of scented candles can be traced back to ancient times, with ancient Egypt being one of the earliest known civilisations to utilise candles. The Ancient Egyptians are known for their innovative use of rushlights or torches, which were created by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. These early candles lacked a wick, a crucial component that would later be introduced by the ancient Romans.
The Ancient Egyptians are renowned for their appreciation of fragrances, with scented products playing a significant role in their culture. They are believed to have started using wicked candles as early as 3000 B.C., and these candles are thought to have been scented. The Egyptians held strong beliefs about fragrances, considering them to be sacred. They associated scents with their sun-god Ra, believing fragrances to be the sweat of this revered deity.
In ancient Egypt, the use of pleasant scents was typically associated with nobility and the clergy. Due to the high cost of ingredients used in scent-making, fragrances were often a luxury reserved for the wealthy and powerful. This exclusivity gave scents a distinctive air of prestige and elevated their importance in Egyptian society.
While the specific scents used in ancient Egyptian candles may not be known with certainty, we can make some educated guesses based on the fragrances they favoured. Amber, musk, blood orange, cedar, jasmine, and spices are all scents that evoke the essence of ancient Egypt. These fragrances capture the exotic allure of a pharaoh's palace garden, filled with blooming plants and the incense wafting through the air.
Today, candle manufacturers have created scented candles inspired by ancient Egypt, aiming to capture the essence of this fascinating civilisation. These candles often feature notes of amber, musk, and exotic spices, transporting users back in time with their evocative aromas. The allure of ancient Egypt continues to captivate imaginations, and scented candles provide a unique way to explore this ancient culture through the power of fragrance.
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Scented candles in Renaissance France
Candles have been used for light and timekeeping for millennia, but scented candles as we know them today only became popular in the 1980s. This was when the self-care movement and a renewed interest in aromatherapy led to candles becoming a popular way to add scents to homes. The use of candles for decorative purposes and as mood-setters also increased during this time.
In Renaissance France, candles were typically made from tallow, the fat from cows or sheep, or beeswax. Tallow candles were the standard for most households, while beeswax was reserved for the wealthy, as well as for churches and royal events due to its expense. Tallow candles had an unpleasant smell due to the glycerine they contain, while beeswax candles burned cleanly and had a pleasant, subtle honey scent.
In the 18th century, the growth of the whaling industry led to the use of spermaceti, a wax obtained from sperm whale oil, for candle-making. Spermaceti did not produce a repugnant odour when burned and was harder than tallow or beeswax, making it ideal for use in hot summer weather. However, it is unclear how common spermaceti candles were in Renaissance France specifically, as this period ended in the early 17th century, before the widespread use of spermaceti.
While the addition of scents to enhance the aroma of candles was not yet common in Renaissance France, it is worth noting that the use of perfumes, fresh flowers, and dried herbs to scent homes was practiced. Incense and other burned aromatics like sage were also used to fragrance larger rooms.
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Scented candles in the USA
The history of scented candles in the USA is a long and varied one. While ancient civilizations like Egypt, India, and China used scented candles, the USA's journey with scented candles began with the discovery of bayberry bushes. Native Americans discovered that boiling the berries of bayberry bushes created a sweet-scented wax that burned cleanly. However, due to the tedious process of extracting this wax, bayberry candles soon diminished.
During the late 18th century, with the growth of the whaling industry, the first major change in candle-making occurred. Spermaceti, a wax obtained by crystallizing sperm whale oil, became available in large quantities and was used for candle-making. In the 19th century, the invention of paraffin wax made candles more affordable and accessible to the masses, leading to a rise in the popularity of scented candles in the USA.
In the 20th century, candles transitioned from being purely functional to decorative and therapeutic items, with scented candles becoming increasingly popular in the USA. The 1980s saw a resurgence in the popularity of candles as decorative items, mood setters, and gifts, with consumer interest in scented candles escalating. The 1990s witnessed an unprecedented surge in candle popularity, with agricultural chemists in the USA developing soybean wax, a softer and slower-burning alternative to paraffin.
Today, scented candles in the USA are synonymous with relaxation, luxury, and personal expression. They are valued not just for their fragrances but also for their ability to evoke memories, set moods, and provide therapeutic benefits. The market offers a range of options, from affordable everyday candles to high-end luxury brands, reflecting the diverse ways Americans incorporate scented candles into their lives.
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The resurgence of scented candles in the 1980s and 1990s
The popularity of candles began to increase in the mid-1980s when consumer interests shifted towards candles as decorative items, mood-setters, and gifts. This was also when scented candles began to gain popularity in the West. Until then, candles in the West were primarily used as a source of light, and scents were added only to mask the foul odour of the candle.
The 1980s and 1990s witnessed the advent of luxury candles, with brands like Diptyque, Jo Malone, and Yankee Candle entering the market. These candles were marketed as a luxury experience—an indulgence for those who wanted to enhance the ambiance of their homes with premium fragrances. Candles became available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours, and for the first time in more than a century, new types of candle waxes were being developed. In the U.S., agricultural chemists began to develop soybean wax, a softer and slower-burning wax than paraffin. Efforts were also made to develop palm wax for candles.
The creation of unique wax blends, requiring different fragrance chemistries and loads, encouraged candle wick manufacturers to innovate to meet performance needs with the tougher-to-burn formulations. The rise of social media and influencer culture has also played a role in the resurgence of scented candles. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have made it easy for people to share their favourite candle brands and fragrances, turning candles into status symbols for those who want to showcase their curated lifestyles.
Scented candles have become an essential part of modern-day living, often seen as a symbol of relaxation, luxury, and ambiance. Their history, however, is far older than many people realise. From ancient civilisations that first introduced the concept of aromatic light to today's high-end luxury candles, the evolution of scented candles spans thousands of years, touching various cultures and practices.
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The use of scented candles in Asia
Chinese candles were sometimes made with a bamboo rod as a core, with paper wound spirally around it and rush pith as a wick. This would then be dipped in melted wax or fats and cooled repeatedly until the desired size was reached.
In Japan, candles were made from Japan wax derived from the Japanese wax tree. In India, temple candles were made from wax derived from boiling cinnamon, or ghee (clarified butter) for religious ceremonies.
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Frequently asked questions
Commercial candles started being scented in the 1980s, when candles became popular as decorative items, mood-setters, and gifts.
Yes, scented candles were used in ancient Egypt, where they were made from beeswax and had a sweet, honey-like fragrance. They were also used in China for thousands of years, where they were made from tallow and wax infused with herbs and spices. In the Middle Ages, candles were primarily used for lighting and heating, but in the Renaissance, scented candles became popular among the aristocracy.
Ancient Egyptians made candles from a combination of animal fat and reeds, which acted as wicks. In Renaissance France, candles were made with fragrances such as lavender, rose, and vanilla.
The popularity of scented candles increased in the 19th century with the invention of paraffin wax, which made candles more affordable and accessible. In the 20th century, advancements in technology and manufacturing processes made scented candles even more popular globally. Scientific studies highlighting the benefits of scented candles, such as aromatherapy and relaxation, have also contributed to their popularity.
