Tyler Brooks
The history of candle-making is a fascinating journey through time, reflecting advancements in technology, culture, and human ingenuity. The earliest known candles date back to ancient civilizations, with the Ancient Egyptians creating rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat around 3000 BC. In ancient Rome, around 500 BC, true dipped candles made from tallow (animal fat) were used, and the Romans are thought to have made the first wicked candles. Candle-making techniques and materials varied across different regions, with the use of beeswax, whale fat, tree nuts, and plant-based waxes in China, Japan, and India. In the Middle Ages, beeswax candles were introduced in Europe, offering a cleaner and more pleasant-burning alternative to tallow. The 19th century marked a significant revolution in candle-making with the development of stearin, the industrialization of candle production, and the extraction of paraffin from petroleum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earliest use of candles | Attributed to Ancient Egyptians |
| Earliest use time period | 3000 to 5000 years ago |
| Earliest candles | Rushlights or torches made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat |
| First wicked candles | Made by Romans by wrapping papyrus around twine and dipping it in tallow |
| Candle production in China | Textual evidence suggests candles were made from whale fat in the Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE) |
| Candle production in Japan | Made from wax extracted from tree nuts |
| Candle production in India | Made from wax obtained by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree |
| Candle production in Europe | Made from tallow and beeswax from the Roman period until the modern era |
| Candle production in medieval Europe | Initially used in Christian churches and later in households of the wealthy |
| Candle production in Colonial America | Made from boiling bayberries |
| Candle production in the Middle East | Beeswax was the dominant material |
| Candle production in the 19th century | Large-scale industrial manufacturing techniques were introduced for mass production |
| Candle production in the 1830s | Inventor Joseph Morgan developed a machine for continuous production of molded candles |
| Candle production in the 1850s | Chemists separated paraffin from petroleum to create paraffin wax |
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What You'll Learn
Ancient Egypt
The history of candles dates back thousands of years, with the Ancient Egyptians being credited with the earliest use of candle-like objects. While the exact origin of candles remains obscure, various sources indicate that the Ancient Egyptians created rushlights or torches by dipping reeds or the pithy core of rushes in animal fat. These early candles lacked a wick, a characteristic of true candles, and were primarily used for illumination and religious purposes.
In Ancient Egypt, candles held religious and symbolic importance. They were used in ceremonies, rituals, and religious settings, as evidenced by their depiction in the Book of the Dead and in reliefs from the Fourth Dynasty, such as the one found in the tomb of Pharaoh Amenemhat I. The relief depicts a boat with a lit lamp or candle, reflecting the rites associated with the procession of the pharaoh's coffin.
While the Ancient Egyptians used wickless candles, the introduction of wicked candles is believed to have originated in the Etruscan period or with the Ancient Romans, who created dipped candles using rolled papyrus and melted tallow or beeswax. The use of wicks and the development of molded candles allowed for improved consistency in size and shape, making candle handling and storage more manageable.
Over time, candle-making evolved, and by the Middle Ages, beeswax candles were introduced in Europe, offering a cleaner and purer burning experience compared to tallow candles. The Middle Ages also witnessed the emergence of candle-making as an essential trade, with chandlers producing candles for practical and religious purposes. The whaling industry's growth in the late 18th century brought about another significant change, as spermaceti wax became available, providing a brighter and less odorous alternative to tallow and beeswax.
The evolution of candle-making continued into the 19th century, with advancements in candle-making machinery, the discovery of stearic acid, and the development of stearin wax, which burned cleanly and had a hard, durable texture. These innovations propelled the candle industry forward, leading to the mass production of candles and the exploration of alternative wax sources, such as paraffin wax.
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India
The origins of candle-making date back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and China, where early forms of candles were made from tallow (animal fat) or beeswax. In India, about 2000 years ago, candles were made from wax that was a residue of boiling cinnamon, along with yak butter, creating the world's first pleasantly scented candle. These were extensively used in spiritual worship, and temple candles are still created using this method to this day.
Candles have been used as a source of light and to illuminate celebrations for more than 5,000 years, yet little is known about their origin. 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 a wick like a true candle. The Ancient Egyptians were using wicked candles in 3000 BC, and before that, the Romans were credited with developing the wicked candle by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax.
Candles were primarily made from tallow and beeswax in Europe from the Roman period until the modern era. In the 18th century, with the growth of the whaling industry, spermaceti (from sperm whales) was used, and in the 19th century, purified animal fats (stearin) and paraffin wax. 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 be made from beeswax or Chinese wax derived from insects.
In India, the use of boiled cinnamon and yak butter meant that their candles were the first to have a pleasant scent. This was an important development in the history of candles, as candles were used in religious and spiritual ceremonies, and scent would have added to the experience. The use of cinnamon and yak butter also meant that the candles burned cleanly, without the unpleasant odours associated with animal fats.
The major developments in contemporary candlemaking occurred during the 19th century. 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. In 1834, inventor Joseph Morgan helped advance the modern-day candle industry by developing a machine that allowed for the continuous production of moulded candles. This machine used a cylinder with a movable piston to eject candles as they solidified, making candles affordable for the masses.
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China
Candles have been used in China for centuries and played a significant role in various cultural and religious practices. The earliest use of candles in China can be traced back to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), where textual evidence suggests that candles were made from whale fat. Historian Sima Qian noted that the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BCE), the first emperor of China, contained candles made from whale fat. The word "zhú" was used for "candle" during the Warring States period (403-221 BCE), and excavated artefacts from this era feature prickets believed to hold candles.
During the Han Dynasty (202 BCE - 220 CE), there are hints in the Jizhupian dictionary of around 40 BCE that indicate the use of beeswax for candle-making. This is further supported by the Book of Jin, which mentions the use of beeswax candles by the statesman Zhou Yi during the Jin Dynasty (266-420 CE). An excavated earthenware bowl from the 4th century CE, housed in the Luoyang Museum, provides additional evidence of candle use, as traces of wax were found in a hollowed socket.
The Northern and Southern Dynasties period (386-589 CE) witnessed the spread of candle usage among the Chinese people, despite being a time of division and wars. The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) is considered a pinnacle of Chinese civilisation, and it also marks a period with extensive records about candle-making and usage. Beeswax candles were prevalent during this time, along with the use of stillingia tallow from the Chinese tallow tree. The cultivation of the tallow tree may have begun in the Yangtze Delta region as early as the 7th century, and its wax was commonly employed in the creation of Buddhist ceremonial candles.
The Sung Dynasty (960-1279 CE) showcases the innovative use of candles as a means of measuring time. Candle clocks, though not precise, allowed people to determine the passage of nearly one hour by marking the candles. The incense sticks used alongside the candles also contributed to time measurement through changes in fragrance.
Today, candles continue to hold cultural significance in China, particularly during traditional holidays such as the Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year. On the 15th day of the Spring Festival, known as the Lantern Festival, candles are lit outside houses to guide wayward spirits home. Candles are also used in other festivals, such as the Mooncake Lampion Festival, the Hungry Ghost Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival, showcasing the enduring importance of candles in Chinese culture and traditions.
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Japan
In the Heian period (794-1185 AD), candle-making in Japan began using pine resin instead of beeswax. The use of Japanese candles, or "wa-rousoku," reached its peak during the late Edo period (1745-1786 AD) and into the Meiji period (1868-1912 AD). Even during the late Edo period, wa-rousoku were considered luxury items, primarily used by wealthy merchants and samurai families.
In modern times, Japanese candles are still made using plant-based waxes, but other plant-derived raw materials have also been researched and used, such as soy wax, rice bran, and canola flower oil. Japanese candles are known for their distinctive scent and the large size of their flame due to the thicker wick. They are used in Buddhist ceremonies and for prayer in Japanese shrines, temples, and gravesites.
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Europe
The use of candles in Europe dates back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting that they were used for various purposes, including lighting, celebrations, and religious ceremonies. During the Roman period, candles were made from tallow, which is rendered animal fat, usually from cows or sheep. Tallow candles were widely used due to the easy availability and low cost of tallow. However, they had an unpleasant smell, which led to their ban in several European cities.
In contrast, beeswax candles were preferred by the wealthy and for church and royal events due to their cleaner burn and more pleasant aroma. Beeswax was often imported from long distances, making beeswax candles more expensive and less accessible to commoners. In the Middle Ages, candle-making became a craft in England and France, with chandlers creating candles from kitchen fats or selling their own candles from shops. Guilds dedicated to candle-making were also established, with records of a French guild dating back to 1061.
The use of candles continued to evolve in Europe, with the introduction of new materials and techniques. In the 1500s, beeswax candles became more common among the wealthy as household items. Spermaceti, derived from sperm whale oil, became a significant alternative to tallow and beeswax in the 18th and 19th centuries. This new material produced brighter and harder candles that were more resistant to heat.
The 19th century saw major advancements in candle-making technology, with the discovery of stearic acid by French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul, leading to the development of stearin wax, which burned cleanly and was harder than tallow or beeswax. Additionally, the invention of a candle-making machine by Joseph Morgan in 1834 enabled the mass production of molded candles, making candles more affordable and accessible to the general public.
While the invention of the lightbulb in the 19th century led to a decline in candle-making, the availability of new materials, such as paraffin wax, in the 20th century revived the industry. Today, stearin candles remain popular in Europe, and candles continue to be valued for their functional, symbolic, and aesthetic purposes in various cultural and religious contexts.
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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.
The first wicked candles are believed to have been created by the ancient Romans by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax.
In ancient China, candles were made from whale fat. They also used wax from an indigenous insect that was combined with seeds.
In ancient India, wax from boiling cinnamon was used for temple candles.
In the Middle Ages, candles in Europe were made from beeswax, which burned cleaner and emitted a more pleasant smell than the previously used animal-based tallow.
