Brooke Martin
Candles have been used for over two millennia and were the primary source of light for homes in ancient civilisations. They have also played a significant role in cultural ceremonies and spiritual worship. The earliest use of candles is often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who made rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. However, the rushlights had no wick like a true candle. The ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle before that time by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. The resulting candles were used to light their homes, to aid travellers at night, and in religious ceremonies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earliest use of candles | Ancient Egyptians, who made rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat |
| Earliest wicked candles | Ancient Romans, who dipped rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax |
| Other early civilizations that used wicked candles | Chinese, Indians, Japanese, Alaskan and Canadian tribes |
| Candle wax in Japan | Wax extracted from tree nuts |
| Candle wax in India | Wax made by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree |
| Candle wax in China | Whale fat, beeswax, stillingia tallow from Chinese tallow tree, Chinese wax derived from insects |
| Candle wax in Alaska and Canada | Eulachon fish, a type of smelt |
| Candle wax in England and France | Tallow, beeswax |
| First candle mould | 15th century in Paris |
| Mechanized candle production | Invented in 1834 by Joseph Morgan |
| Candle wax in the modern era | Paraffin wax, stearic acid, soybean wax, coconut wax, rapeseed wax, palm oil |
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What You'll Learn
The first candles
The use of candles dates back to ancient civilizations, with the earliest use often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians. They made rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. However, these rushlights did not have wicks, which are a defining feature of candles as we know them today.
The Ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the first true candles with wicks, or 'wicked candles', around 3,000 B.C. They were made by repeatedly dipping rolled papyrus in melted tallow (animal fat) or beeswax. These candles were used to light their homes, aid travellers at night, and in religious ceremonies.
The Ancient Chinese also developed wicked candles around the same time, using rice paper for wicks and wax from insects and seeds. In Japan, candles were made from wax extracted from tree nuts, while in India, wax was derived from boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree.
Candles played an important role in early religious ceremonies, such as the Jewish Festival of Lights (Hanukkah), which dates back to 165 B.C. There are several Biblical references to candles, and the Roman Emperor Constantine is reported to have called for the use of candles during an Easter service in the 4th century.
In the Middle Ages, beeswax candles were introduced in Europe, providing a cleaner and less foul-smelling alternative to animal-based tallow. However, beeswax candles were more expensive and were mostly used by the upper classes and the Church.
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Ancient civilisations and their use of candles
The history of candle-making dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilisations using candles as a primary light source for homes and in cultural ceremonies and spiritual worship.
The Ancient Egyptians are often credited with the earliest use of candles, making rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat around 3000 BC. However, these did not have wicks like true candles. The ancient Romans are generally believed to have developed wicked candles before the Egyptians, dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. Romans also made true dipped candles from tallow and beeswax, which were used to light homes, aid travellers at night, and in religious ceremonies.
Objects that could be candle holders have been found in Babylonian and middle Minoan cultures, as well as in the tomb of Tutankhamun, and a possible depiction of a lit candle can be seen in the tomb of Amenemhat. However, the candles used in these early periods may have been made from plant materials dipped in animal fat and may not resemble modern candles.
The Ancient Greeks offered moon-shaped honey cakes to the moon goddess Artemis, said to be lit by small torches or candles, and this has been proposed as the origin of the tradition of putting candles on birthday cakes.
In China, textual evidence suggests that candles may have been made from whale fat in the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE). Chinese candles may also have been made from beeswax, or stillingia tallow from the Chinese tallow tree, or Chinese wax derived from insects. In Japan, candles were made from wax extracted from tree nuts, while in India, candle wax was made by boiling cinnamon.
Beeswax candles were introduced in Europe during the Middle Ages, providing a cleaner, less foul-smelling burn than animal-based tallow. However, due to their expense, beeswax candles were largely limited to religious ceremonies and the wealthy.
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The evolution of candle materials
The origins of candles are largely unknown, but they are believed to have been used as a source of light over 5,000 years ago. The earliest use of candles is often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who made rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. However, these did not have wicks like true candles. The ancient Romans are generally credited with developing wicked candles by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax.
In Europe, candles were primarily made from tallow and beeswax from the Roman period until the modern era. Beeswax was the preferred material due to its pleasant smell and clean burn, but it was more expensive than tallow, which became the standard material used in candles. In the Middle Ages, beeswax candles were introduced in Europe, offering a purer and cleaner-burning alternative to animal-based tallow.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, spermaceti, a wax derived from sperm whales, was used to make candles. Spermaceti produced a brighter light and was harder than tallow or beeswax, making it less susceptible to softening or bending in hot temperatures. The whaling industry's growth in the late 18th century brought about the first major change in candlemaking since the Middle Ages, as spermaceti became more readily available.
In the 19th century, French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fatty acids, leading to the development of stearin wax. Stearin candles burned cleanly and were durable, making them a popular choice in Europe. During the same century, paraffin wax was introduced after chemists found a way to separate and refine the substance from petroleum.
Candle-making techniques also evolved throughout history. In the Middle East, beeswax was the dominant material used, often imported from long distances. In China, candles may have been made from whale fat, beeswax, or wax derived from insects and seeds. Japanese candles were made from wax extracted from tree nuts, while Indian candles used wax from boiled cinnamon fruit.
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Candles in religious ceremonies
Candles are among the oldest human inventions still in use today, and they have been used for over two millennia around the world. They are an integral part of many religious ceremonies and hold different meanings in different religions.
In Christianity, candles are used in churches for decorative, symbolic, and ceremonial purposes. They are believed to represent Christ, the Uncreated and Eternal Light. Miniature 'votive' candles are often used as part of prayer rituals or to honour God. Christian candles are also lit for prayers, with the act of lighting a candle for someone signifying an intention to pray for them. In the 4th century, the use of candles in Christian churches became firmly and universally established. The festival of Candlemas is named after the candle and is a time of celebration and renewal. Other types of candles used by the Church include vigil candles, baptismal candles, confirmation candles, paschal candles, and sanctuary candles. Each type of candle has a special meaning and purpose. For example, the baptismal candle is lit during the baptism ceremony and is meant to represent the light of Christ.
In Hinduism, lamps and candles are lit daily in almost all homes, sometimes before an altar. They are lit at dawn and/or dusk and are maintained continuously in some houses. A diya, or clay lamp, is frequently used in Hindu celebrations and forms an integral part of many social rites. Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by followers of dharmic religions and symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".
In Buddhism, candles are placed in front of Buddhist shrines as a mark of respect or deference. They are used alongside incense to evoke the state of impermanence and change, a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy. The light from the candle is said to symbolize the enlightenment of the Buddha.
In Zoroastrianism, fire is revered as the visible expression of Ahura Mazda, the eternal principle of light and righteousness.
In ancient Rome, candles and lamps formed part of the cult of the domestic tutelary deities. On all festivals, doors were garlanded and lamps were lit.
The ancient Greeks offered moon-shaped honey cakes to the moon goddess Artemis, lit by little torches or candles. This has been proposed as the origin of the tradition of putting candles on birthday cakes.
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Candles as decoration
Candles have been used for over two millennia, and while their use as a significant form of indoor lighting has declined since the invention of other light sources, they are still used for functional, symbolic, and aesthetic purposes. In Christian churches, candles are used decoratively, symbolically, and ceremonially.
Candles can add a decorative touch to any space, and with the broad array of sizes, shapes, and colors available, they are a popular choice for adding warmth and style. For example, a few candlesticks of various sizes on a dining room table can add elegance to a main entertaining space. Candles can also be placed inside a nonworking fireplace to create a welcoming glow, or on a bar cart for a touch of vintage glamour. In the bedroom, a candle sconce installed on a bookshelf can add a wow factor, and a candle in the bathroom can help create a relaxing atmosphere.
During the winter holidays, candles can be used to create a charming display, and in the summer, they can be lit at night to unwind in front of the TV with all the overhead lights turned off. For a special occasion such as a wedding, thoughtfully chosen candle arrangements can add a touch of magic.
While candles can be decorated with wax designs, it is important to avoid using anything flammable that could cause the candle to function unpredictably.
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Frequently asked questions
The earliest use of candles is often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who made rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. However, these did not have wicks. The ancient Romans are generally credited with developing wicked candles before that by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax.
Historically, candles were made from various forms of natural fat, tallow, and wax. In Europe, from the Roman period until the modern era, candles were primarily made from tallow and beeswax. In China, textual evidence suggests that candles may have been made from whale fat in the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE). 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.
Candles have been used as a source of light, in cultural ceremonies and spiritual worship, and as a method of keeping time. In the developed world today, candles are used mainly for their aesthetic value and scent, for emergency lighting during power failures, and in religious and ceremonial contexts.
