Maddie James
Roman candles are a type of traditional firework that ejects one or more stars or exploding shells. They are believed to be named after the actions of Roman Emperor Nero, who was alleged to have punished devoted Christians by coating their strung bodies in pitch, oil, wax, and other flammable materials before lighting their feet and using them as human candles to light his garden parties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name origin | Derived from the actions of Roman Emperor Nero, who punished Christians by coating their bodies in flammable materials and using them as human candles |
| Date of origin | Named in 1769 |
| Appearance | Cylindrical firework that ejects an upward stream of coloured sparks, stars, or exploding shells |
| Sizes | Vary from 6mm to 8cm in diameter |
| Composition | Constructed with bentonite, lifting charge, pyrotechnic star, black powder, and delay charge |
| Safety | Banned in Finland, the Netherlands, and several U.S. states due to a tendency to malfunction |
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![Roman Candles [Sketches of Manners and Customs at Rome. by P. H. Fitzgerald.]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Bs1WIZixL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
- The name's origin is likely derived from Roman Emperor Nero's actions
- Nero allegedly used Christians as human candles
- The Roman candle was a torture mechanism and execution method
- Roman candles are considered one of the worst and slowest execution methods
- The fireworks may have started in China to celebrate Chinese New Year
The name's origin is likely derived from Roman Emperor Nero's actions
The name "Roman candle" is likely derived from the actions of Roman Emperor Nero, who ruled from 54 to 68 CE. Nero was infamous for his debaucheries and extravagances, and the persecution of Christians. During his reign, Rome was ravaged by the Great Fire of 64 CE, which destroyed two-thirds of the imperial city.
Nero was suspected of being responsible for the fire, and to shift blame, he accused and persecuted religious minorities, particularly Christians. He is said to have punished devoted Christians by coating their bodies in flammable substances, such as pitch, oil, and wax, and lighting their feet, using them as human candles. These "Roman Candles" were used to light formal parties within the imperial gardens, prolonging the torture and providing entertainment for elite guests.
The traditional firework that we know today as the Roman candle is cylindrical and shoots out a stream of coloured sparks. While it shares a name with this ancient Roman practice, it is believed to have originated in China. The term "Roman candle" is thus likely derived from the gruesome actions of Emperor Nero, using humans as candles, an act of cruelty that has left its mark on history and language.
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Nero allegedly used Christians as human candles
The Roman Candle is a firework that gets its name from a gruesome method of execution allegedly used by Roman Emperor Nero. In July 64 AD, the Great Fire of Rome raged for nine days, destroying two-thirds of the imperial city. With ten of Rome's fourteen districts damaged, Emperor Nero was keen to find someone to blame and ultimately pointed the finger at religious minorities, particularly the Christian community.
Nero allegedly punished Christians by coating their bodies in wax, pitch, oil, and other flammable materials before lighting their feet and using them as human candles. These "Roman Candles" were used to light formal parties within the imperial gardens, with the method of execution designed to prolong torture and pain. Elite guests of these private gatherings would seek entertainment from the suffering, while the candles also provided desirable decoration and torchlight.
However, it is important to note that the historical accuracy of these claims is questionable. Tacitus, who had a “tepid relationship with accuracy”, is the main source of this account. Furthermore, it is unlikely that human bodies could have served as a significant source of light, and the persecution of Christians may have been exaggerated or attributed to other religious minorities.
Today, the term "Roman Candle" refers to a firework that is only linked to ancient Rome by name. The traditional firework originated in China and is now associated with happy childhood memories, far removed from the torches of ancient Rome.
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The Roman candle was a torture mechanism and execution method
Today, the term "Roman candle" refers to a cylindrical firework that ejects colored sparks, stars, or exploding shells. While the modern firework may bear the name, it is worlds apart from the gruesome origins associated with ancient Rome. The traditional firework likely originated in China and is now commonly used in celebrations and displays, bringing joy and wonder to audiences.
Roman candles, as fireworks, come in various sizes, from smaller consumer versions to larger professional displays. They are constructed with bentonite, lifting charge, pyrotechnic stars, black powder, and delay charge. When ignited, they release visible light and radiation, creating colorful displays. However, due to their potential for malfunction, Roman candles are banned or restricted in several countries and states.
The history of the Roman candle, both ancient and modern, showcases a stark contrast between cruel torture and entertainment. While the firework brings joy and excitement to many, its name serves as a reminder of the dark past associated with Emperor Nero's reign. The Roman candle, in its ancient context, represents a disturbing chapter in history, highlighting the importance of respecting human life and the impact of power on perceptions of entertainment and cruelty.
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Roman candles are considered one of the worst and slowest execution methods
In the year 64 CE, the Great Fire of Rome ravaged large parts of the imperial city, destroying two-thirds of it and causing widespread damage to 10 of Rome's 14 districts. Emperor Nero, seeking to deflect blame, accused religious minorities, particularly early Christians, of causing the blaze. This marked the beginning of the first organised persecutions of Christians under the Romans.
Nero's cruel punishment of devoted Christians involved coating their strung bodies in pitch, oil, wax, and other flammable materials before lighting their feet and using them as human candles. These "Roman Candles" were placed in the imperial gardens during formal parties, with the flames starting from the feet to prolong the agony and suffering of the victims. The elite guests at these gatherings derived entertainment from witnessing the torture, considering the candlelight and torchlight desirable decorations.
The Roman Candle execution method stands out among other cruel practices due to its sheer lack of humanity. The victims were burned alive, suffering immense pain and a slow death. This form of torture was designed to maximise the duration of agony, making it one of the worst and slowest execution methods ever devised.
Today, the term "Roman Candle" refers to a firework that originated in China and gained popularity in Western Europe during the Italian Renaissance. While the name is linked to ancient Rome, the firework itself bears no resemblance to the gruesome history behind its nomenclature.
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The fireworks may have started in China to celebrate Chinese New Year
The Roman candle firework may have originated in China, where fireworks are traditionally set off during the Chinese New Year period. This annual 15-day festival begins with the new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February and ends with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the year.
The Chinese New Year is steeped in legend. One such legend tells of a monster named Nian, which translates to "Year", that would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. Nian was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the colour red, so firecrackers, fireworks, and red decorations are used in celebrations to ward off evil spirits and bring forth luck and prosperity.
In some regions, firecrackers are lit before the New Year's Eve reunion dinner to invite ancestors to join in the festivities. At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day, more firecrackers and fireworks are set off to celebrate the coming of the new year and scare away evil spirits. The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, during which people set off firecrackers and fireworks once more to ward off misfortune and bring good luck.
Today, fireworks and firecrackers continue to be set off during the Chinese New Year period in cities with significant Chinese populations, such as various cities in Indonesia, Manila, and Hong Kong. Large firework displays are also popular in some places in Taiwan, though the focus tends to be more on temple visits, lantern-lighting ceremonies, and family reunions.
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Frequently asked questions
A Roman candle is a traditional type of firework that ejects one or more stars or exploding shells.
The name Roman candle is derived from the actions of the Roman Emperor Nero. Nero was alleged to have coated Christians in flammable materials and set them alight, using them as human candles to light his garden parties.
Roman candles can be dangerous and have a tendency to malfunction. They are banned in some countries and several U.S. states.
Roman candles come in a variety of sizes, from 6 mm (0.24 in) diameter for consumers, up to 8 cm (3.1 in) or more in diameter for professional fireworks displays.
