Maddie James
Candles have been a symbol of light, warmth and celebration since ancient times. The earliest candles date back to ancient civilisations in Egypt, Greece and Rome, where they were crafted using animal fat and reeds. Over the centuries, the craft evolved, with beeswax and tallow becoming common materials during the Middle Ages. In modern times, paraffin wax and soy candles dominate the market, offering cleaner and longer-lasting burns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earliest use | 3000 B.C. in Egypt |
| Earliest evidence | 7th century B.C. in Italy |
| Materials used in early candles | Natural fat, tallow, wax, beeswax, spermaceti, stearin, colza oil, rapeseed oil, paraffin wax, soy wax |
| Wick materials | Oakum, plant fibres, rice paper |
| Ancient civilisations that used candles | Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Japanese, Indians, Jews |
| Candle-making techniques | Dipping wick in molten fat or wax, rolling candle by hand around a wick, pouring fat or wax onto a wick |
| First industrialised candles | 1834 |
| First affordable candles | 1834 |
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What You'll Learn
Early candle use
The use of candles dates back to ancient civilizations, with early evidence of candle use found in Italy, where a depiction of a candlestick exists in an Etruscan tomb in Orvieto, dating back to the 7th century BC. It is believed that candles may have evolved from tapers (long, thin candles) with wicks of oakum and other plant fibres soaked in fat, pitch, or oil.
In ancient times, candles were primarily crafted using animal fat and reeds. The Ancient Egyptians, for example, used rushlights, a type of candle made by soaking the dried pith or core of the rush plant in melted animal fat or grease. These did not have a wick and thus were not true candles, but they were one of the earliest forms of contained light. Similarly, tribes in Alaska and Canada used the eulachon fish as a candle, as the fish is so oily that once dried, it can be lit at one end and burned.
The Romans are often credited with the creation of candles, which they made by repeatedly dipping rolled papyrus in tallow or beeswax. However, evidence suggests that the ancient Egyptians, Japanese, and Chinese also used wicked candles. There is evidence of wick candles being made in Egypt as early as 3000 BC. Around the same time, the Chinese were using rice paper for wicks, and wax from insects and seeds to make candles, while the Japanese used wax from the Japanese wax tree.
In Europe, candles were primarily made from tallow and beeswax from the Roman period until the modern era. Tallow, derived from sheep or cow fat, was the standard material used in candles in Europe, despite the unpleasant smell it produced due to the glycerine it contains. Beeswax was the preferred substance due to its lack of odour, but its use was restricted to the wealthy and religious ceremonies due to its expense. In the Middle Ages, candle-making saw a significant change with the introduction of beeswax, which was harder to come by and thus reserved for liturgical use in churches, symbolizing purity and divine light.
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Ancient candle-making techniques
The use of wicked candles dates back to ancient Egypt, where they were crafted using animal fat and reeds. The ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle before that time, by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. These candles were used to light their homes, aid travellers at night, and in religious ceremonies.
Candles were also used in ancient Greece, where they were made from torches and oil lamps, likely adopted from the Romans. Objects resembling candle holders have been found in Babylonian and middle Minoan cultures, as well as in the tomb of Tutankhamun. These early candles were likely made from plant materials dipped in animal fat.
In Europe during the Middle Ages, candles were often made from tallow, a rendered form of animal fat. Tallow was widely available and inexpensive, but it produced a smoky flame and an unpleasant odour. Beeswax was introduced as an alternative in the 1500s, offering a brighter, longer-lasting, and better-smelling candle. However, beeswax was more difficult to obtain, making beeswax candles exclusive to the wealthy and the Church.
Candles were made by dipping wicks in molten fat or wax, rolling the candle by hand around a wick, or pouring fat or wax onto a wick. In the 14th century, moulds were introduced, but they were not widely used until the 19th century when improvements were made to the technique.
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The candle-making revolution
Candles have been a primary source of light for homes since ancient times. They have also played a significant role in cultural ceremonies and spiritual worship. The first candles were made from animal fats, such as beef or mutton fat, and reeds. Over time, beeswax and tallow became common materials during the Middle Ages. However, beeswax was expensive and reserved for liturgical use in churches.
The 19th century brought about a significant revolution in candle-making. In the 1820s, French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fatty acids. This led to the development of stearin wax, which was hard, durable, and burned cleanly. Stearin candles remain popular in Europe today.
Another important development in the 19th century was the invention of a candle-making machine by Joseph Morgan in 1834. This machine allowed for continuous production by using a cylinder with a movable piston to eject candles as they solidified. With mechanized production, candles became affordable for the masses.
The introduction of paraffin wax in the 1850s further revolutionized the candle industry. Chemists learned to separate and refine the waxy substance from petroleum, creating an economical and clean-burning product. Paraffin wax candles burned without the unpleasant odour of tallow candles, making them a preferred choice.
By the end of the 19th century, the candle-making industry had undergone significant transformations, making candles accessible and affordable for a wide range of consumers. These advancements laid the foundation for the continued evolution and popularity of candles, even in modern times.
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Candles as a modern commodity
Candles have evolved from being a primary source of light in ancient civilisations to their modern-day role in functionality, decor, and fragrance. The development of materials and techniques throughout history has transformed the candle-making craft, making it both an art and a business today.
In the 19th century, several innovations revolutionised candle-making. French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fatty acids, leading to the creation of stearin wax, which is still popular in Europe. This hard and durable wax burns cleanly, and its discovery marked a significant shift in candlemaking since the Middle Ages.
Another pivotal moment in the history of candlemaking came in 1834 with the invention of a machine by Joseph Morgan. This machine enabled the continuous production of moulded candles by using a cylinder with a movable piston to eject candles as they solidified. Mechanised production made candles affordable and accessible to the masses.
The introduction of paraffin wax in the 1850s further transformed the industry. Chemists discovered how to efficiently separate and refine the waxy substance from petroleum, creating an economical and odourless option that burned cleanly. Paraffin wax, along with stearic acid, became readily available byproducts of the growing oil and meatpacking industries in the 20th century, leading to an increase in candle-making and its popularity.
Today, candles are no longer solely relied upon for illumination, but they continue to grow in popularity and use. They have become a multi-billion-dollar industry, with an emphasis on innovative designs, fragrances, and decorative roles. The modern candle has evolved to brighten not just physical spaces but also to uplift spirits and create a sensory experience.
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The future of candles
The candle has come a long way since its inception, evolving from a source of light to an object of artistic expression, self-care, and environmental consciousness. As we move further into the 2020s, the candle market is expected to witness several trends and innovations that build upon these emerging themes.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
The global candle market is increasingly being driven by sustainability and eco-friendliness. Consumers are gravitating towards natural waxes such as soy wax, coconut wax, and beeswax, which offer cleaner burning, renewability, and biodegradability compared to traditional paraffin wax derived from petroleum. This shift reflects a growing awareness of environmental impacts and a commitment to healthier, cleaner living. Additionally, sustainable alternatives to traditional cotton wicks, such as lead-free cotton wicks, wooden wicks, and wicks made from recycled materials, are gaining popularity to reduce air pollution.
Unique and Nostalgic Scents
The candle industry is witnessing a departure from generic floral or vanilla scents. Candle makers are embracing unique and evocative blends that tap into memories, emotions, and specific places. Scents like "Grandma's Kitchen" or "Forest After Rain" create a sensory journey for the user. This trend includes intriguing aromas such as whiskey, tobacco, leather, and even the freshness of tomato, catering to diverse audiences and resonating with those seeking nostalgic experiences.
Maximalism and Self-Expression
The trend of maximalism in candle design stands as a vibrant counterpoint to minimalism, celebrating extravagance and sensory richness. It encourages bold colours, intricate textures, and a fusion of cultural influences, resulting in opulent sensory experiences. Maximalism invites fearless self-expression, allowing candle makers and consumers to bend the rules and unleash their creativity. This trend calls for intense fragrances that make a statement and reflect the complexity of the style.
Smart Innovations
The candle industry is embracing technological advancements with the introduction of smart candles. These high-tech innovations include flameless LED candles with scent-diffusing capabilities and connectivity to smart home devices. Smart candles allow users to control flame intensity, schedule burning times, and receive notifications for replacements. Additionally, companies are developing advanced scent delivery systems that release fragrances in a controlled manner, extending candle life and enhancing the scent experience.
Customisation and Experiential Retail
The future of candle-making promises increased customisation options, allowing consumers to choose from a diverse range of scents, waxes, wicks, and vessel designs. Experiential retail will transform candle stores into sensory havens, inviting customers to engage with products through workshops and scent discovery. This shift will create immersive experiences that engage multiple senses and evoke specific emotions, elevating the act of candle purchasing beyond a simple transaction.
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Frequently asked questions
The first candles were made from reeds in melted animal fat.
The word candle comes from Middle English "candel", from Old English and Anglo-Norman "candele", both from Latin "candela", from "candere" meaning "to shine".
Ancient civilisations used various methods to make candles, including dipping wicks in molten fat or wax, rolling candles by hand around a wick, or pouring fat or wax onto a wick.
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. In 1834, Joseph Morgan invented a machine that allowed for continuous candle production using a cylinder with a movable piston. This made candles affordable for the masses. In the 1850s, chemists developed paraffin wax, which was inexpensive, clean-burning, and odourless.
