Brooke Martin
Candles have been used as a source of light and in cultural ceremonies for more than 5,000 years, with the earliest use often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians. The Ancient Egyptians made rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. However, these rushlights did not have a wick and were not considered true candles. The ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle before the Egyptians, by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earliest use of candles | Attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, around 3000 B.C. |
| Earliest candles | Rushlights, made by soaking the dried pith or core of the rush plant in animal fat or grease |
| First wicked candles | Developed by the Romans in the Etruscan period, around the 7th century B.C. |
| First dipped candles | Made by the Romans from animal fat (tallow) |
| Candle material in Europe from the Roman period to the modern era | Tallow and beeswax |
| Candle material in China | Whale fat, beeswax, stillingia tallow from Chinese tallow tree, Chinese wax derived from insects |
| Candle material in Japan | Wax extracted from tree nuts |
| Candle material in India | Wax from boiling cinnamon |
| Candle material in America | Wax from boiling bayberries |
| First major change in candle-making | Introduction of spermaceti from sperm whales in the late 18th century |
| First standard candles | Made from spermaceti wax |
| First industrialised candles | Moulded candle production machine invented in 1834 |
| Candle decline | Due to the invention of the lightbulb in the 19th century |
| Candle resurgence | In the 20th century due to the availability of paraffin and stearic acid, and in the 1980s as decorations and gifts |
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What You'll Learn
Ancient candles
The use of candles dates back thousands of years, with the earliest known use attributed to the Ancient Egyptians. However, these early "candles" were more akin to rushlights or torches, made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. While these rushlights lacked a wick, true wicked candles were used by the Egyptians as early as 3000 B.C. and possibly even earlier.
The ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle, which they created by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. Tallow, a rendered animal fat, was inexpensive and readily available, making it the most common type of candle for centuries. Beeswax candles, on the other hand, were more expensive and reserved primarily for the wealthy and religious ceremonies in Europe.
In China, textual evidence suggests that candles may have been used during the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE). Historian Sima Qian claimed that the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BCE) contained candles made from whale fat. Early Chinese candles were believed to be molded in paper tubes, using rice paper for the wick and wax from indigenous insects combined with seeds.
In ancient Greece, candles played a role in religious ceremonies. The moon goddess Artemis was offered moon-shaped honey cakes lit by small torches or candles, a tradition proposed as the origin of putting candles on birthday cakes. However, the ancient Greeks primarily relied on torches and oil lamps for lighting, and they may have adopted candle use later from the Romans.
The use of wicked candles in Italy during the Etruscan period further supports the influence of ancient civilizations on candle development. A picture of a candlestick in an Etruscan tomb at Orvieto and other artifacts suggest that candle use dates back to at least the 7th century BC in this region.
While the exact origins of candles remain uncertain, it is clear that ancient civilizations played a pivotal role in their development, shaping the way we illuminate our world even today.
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Industrial Revolution
The history of candles dates back to ancient civilizations, with the first candle-like objects appearing in Egypt around 3,000 BCE. These early "candles" were made from papyrus or rushes soaked in animal fat and functioned as torches. The ancient Romans are credited with introducing significant innovations to candle production, such as the use of molded candles made from tallow or beeswax. During the Middle Ages, candle-making became an essential trade, with beeswax candles prized for their clean and bright flame.
The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century brought major changes to the candle-making industry. As manufacturing processes improved, candles became more accessible and affordable. One of the most important developments during this time was the creation of stearin candles in the 1830s. Stearin candles, made from animal fats, burned cleaner than their tallow predecessors and were less prone to dripping. The introduction of paraffin wax, a byproduct of oil refining, also revolutionized candle production during this period. Paraffin was odorless, burned longer, and was more affordable than beeswax or spermaceti.
The mass production of candles during the Industrial Revolution allowed them to become more widely used in everyday life, not just for religious purposes or luxury. Candles became integral to the growing middle class, used for both lighting and decorative purposes. The growth of the whaling industry in the 18th and 19th centuries also impacted candlemaking, with the availability of spermaceti, a wax derived from sperm whales. Spermaceti candles burned brighter, cleaner, and longer, making them a preferred choice for many.
Despite these advancements, the candle industry faced a decline in the late 19th century with the invention of the lightbulb. However, during the first half of the 20th century, the popularity of candles was renewed due to the growth of the oil and meatpacking industries, which increased the availability of paraffin and stearic acid. Candles also evolved to become more of a decorative item, with a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and scents available. Today, candles continue to be a multi-billion dollar industry, with new innovations in waxes and fragrances.
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Modern popularity
The popularity of candles has surged in modern times, with candles becoming a staple of home décor and design. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns encouraged people to invest in their homes, turning them into sanctuaries rather than places of isolation. Candles became a popular way to capture memories, pleasure, and comfort, and to create a sense of luxury and relaxation.
The candle market has seen an influx of new entrants, with established names in fashion, hospitality, and beauty launching their own ranges. Brands like Jo Malone, Diptyque, and Voluspa are known for their unique fragrances and giftable packaging, while Miller Lite has launched limited-edition scented candles with proceeds going towards charity. The success of these brands lies not just in their existing customer base but in their ability to capture the essence of their brand in a scent, creating an olfactory signature.
The art and science of crafting branded candles involve more than just mixing waxes and scents. It requires technical knowledge, a thorough understanding of fragrance creation, and a keen sense of smell. Candle vendors tweak and fine-tune their products to evoke specific emotions and create an ambiance that can transport one to a different place or time. The sensory connection that candles create has become a common focus, especially with the rise of self-care and the "treat yourself" mentality.
Candles have also become a way to bridge the gap between in-home and away-from-home experiences. For example, the Brightland brand launched a signature Kitchen Digestif Candle designed to remove kitchen odours, serving a functional purpose while also creating an enjoyable dining experience. With the rise of virtual connections, candles have become a way to connect wellbeing, experiences, and identity through a singular product.
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Candle materials
The materials used to make candles have evolved over time, with several variations across different regions. The earliest candles were made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat, and ancient candles were also made from various forms of natural fat, tallow, and wax. Romans made dipped candles from tallow and beeswax. Beeswax candles were expensive and reserved for the wealthy, while tallow candles were common among European households.
In China, textual evidence suggests that candles may have been made from whale fat during the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE). Chinese candles were also made from beeswax or stillingia tallow derived from the Chinese tallow tree, or Chinese wax sourced from insects. Japanese candles, on the other hand, were crafted from wax extracted from tree nuts. In India, cinnamon played a role in candle-making; the fruit of the cinnamon tree was boiled to produce wax for temple candles.
In the Middle Ages, beeswax candles were introduced in Europe, offering a purer, cleaner-burning, and sweet-smelling alternative to tallow. During the 18th and 19th centuries, spermaceti, derived from sperm whales, was used in candle-making, marking the first major change since the Middle Ages due to the growth of the whaling industry. Spermaceti, like beeswax, burned without an unpleasant odour and produced a brighter light. It was also harder, making it less susceptible to softening or bending in hot weather.
In the 19th century, French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fatty acids, leading to the creation of stearin wax, which burned cleanly and had desirable hardness and durability. Paraffin wax, derived from coal, also emerged as a candle material during this period.
Today, candle-makers have a wide range of wax options, including soy waxes, beeswax, coconut wax, and various blends. Wicks, another essential component, come in different sizes and materials, such as cotton, paper, wood, and zinc or tin-core wicks. Moulds made of silicone, metal, or plastic are used to create pillar or shaped candles, with silicone being a popular choice for its flexibility and ease of removal.
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Candle-making techniques
Candle-making is an art form that has been practised for thousands of years, with ancient civilisations using candles for light, celebrations and religious ceremonies. While the materials and techniques have evolved over time, the basic process of candle-making remains largely unchanged. Here are some of the key candle-making techniques that have been used throughout history and continue to be used today:
Dipping or Drawing
This technique involves dipping a wick into molten fat, wax, or tallow repeatedly until the desired candle size is achieved. This method was commonly used by the Romans, who made "true dipped candles" from tallow and beeswax. Dipping or drawing is a simple and effective way to make candles, but it can be time-consuming and messy.
Rolling
Another ancient technique is to roll soft wax or tallow around a wick by hand to form a candle. This method was likely used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who may have rolled the wax or tallow flat and then wrapped it around the wick.
Pouring
Pouring involves melting fat, wax, or tallow and pouring it onto a wick to build up the candle. This technique may have been used in combination with dipping or drawing to create the desired shape and size.
Moulding
The use of moulds for candle-making was introduced in the 14th century, with the earliest known moulds being used for taper candles. Moulds revolutionized candle-making by allowing for more consistent shapes and sizes. In the 19th century, French inventor Joseph Morgan created a machine that used a cylinder with a movable piston to continuously produce moulded candles, further advancing the large-scale industrial manufacturing of candles.
Layering and Marbling
These decorative techniques involve pouring different coloured waxes in layers to create visual appeal. Basic layering creates a striped effect, while gradient layering achieves an ombre look by gradually changing the colour intensity. Fragrance layering adds a multisensory experience, with each layer containing a different scent.
Embeds and Additives
Decorative objects such as flowers, crystals, or small wax shapes can be placed inside or on top of the candle to create unique designs. However, it is important to consider the burn and safety implications of adding extras to your candles, as some materials may pose a fire hazard or release unpleasant odours or volatile substances when burned.
Choosing the Right Wax and Wick
With over 60 types of wax commonly used for candle-making, each with unique properties and melting points, it is important to select the right wax for your desired outcome. The type of wick used is also crucial, as it can affect the candle's burn, safety, and lifespan. Different wicks react differently to different waxes, so it is essential to match the wick to the type of candle being made.
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Frequently asked questions
The first candles were made around 3,000 to 5,000 years ago by the Ancient Egyptians. These were rushlights, which were made by soaking the dried pith or core of the rush plant in melted animal fat or grease.
In 1834, Joseph Morgan invented a machine that allowed for the continuous production of moulded candles, marking the birth of industrialized candles.
The first candles were made from natural fat, tallow, and wax. The Ancient Egyptians used animal fat or grease, while the Romans made dipped candles from tallow and beeswax.
