Candles. We light them for ambiance, relaxation, and sometimes just because we love the way they smell. But did you know that these small, simple objects have a history as renowned and varied as the cultures that created them? From ancient civilizations relying on candles for light and ceremony to modern homes adorned with fragrant, decorative candles, the story of candle making is a journey through time and innovation. So, let’s take a trip back to where it all began, and explore the illuminating history of candle making.
Ancient Origins and Early Innovations
Imagine a world without electricity, where the only way to banish the darkness of night was by firelight. That’s the world our ancestors lived in, and it’s where the humble candle found its first purpose. The earliest candles date back to ancient civilizations, with the Romans often credited as the pioneers of candle making. They made candles by dipping rolled papyrus in tallow or beeswax multiple times until a sturdy, thick candle was formed. These candles were used in homes, for travel, and in religious ceremonies—an essential tool for daily life.
But the Romans weren’t the only ones lighting up the dark. Across the world, other ancient cultures were developing their own versions of candles. The Egyptians, for instance, were making wicked candles as early as 3000 B.C. They used rushlights—torches made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. Meanwhile, in China and Japan, candle makers were using resources abundant in their regions: the Chinese used wax made from insects and seeds with rice paper wicks, while the Japanese extracted wax from tree nuts. Even the ancient Indians had their method, boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree to produce a wax with a distinctive scent.
Candles weren’t just functional; they were also deeply symbolic. One of the earliest and most enduring uses of candles in religious ceremonies can be found in the Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, which began in 165 B.C. The tradition of lighting candles during Hanukkah continues to this day, symbolizing light in the face of darkness.
The Evolution of Candle Making
Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and candle making had become a significant craft in Europe. Most candles were made from tallow, rendered animal fat, which, while effective, didn’t smell particularly pleasant. The introduction of beeswax candles during this period was a game-changer. Beeswax candles burned cleaner and didn’t produce the foul odor associated with tallow. However, they were expensive, so their use was mainly reserved for religious ceremonies and the wealthy.
By the 13th century, candle making had evolved into a guild craft in France and England. Professional candle makers, known as chandlers, would travel from house to house, making candles from the fats stored in the kitchens of their customers. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic in colonial America, a new innovation was taking place. Colonial women discovered that boiling bayberries produced a clean-burning, sweet-smelling wax. Although the process was labor-intensive and required a large number of bayberries, it was a notable advancement in candle making.
The 18th century saw another significant leap forward with the rise of the whaling industry. Spermaceti, a wax obtained from the oil of sperm whales, became a popular alternative to tallow. It produced a brighter, clearer flame and had a less offensive smell. This development marked the first significant change in candle making since the Middle Ages, but it was just the beginning of a series of innovations that would transform the industry.
Technological Advances and the Rise of Decorative Candles
The 19th century was a time of rapid change and technological advancement in candle making. In the 1820s, French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fats, leading to the creation of stearin wax. Stearin candles were hard, durable, and produced a clean burn—far superior to tallow candles. This innovation was followed by the invention of a mechanized candle-making machine by Joseph Morgan in 1834. Morgan’s machine allowed for the mass production of candles, making them more affordable and accessible to the general public.
Around the same time, paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining, was introduced. Paraffin wax was cheap, had a high melting point, and burned cleanly. With these innovations, candles became a household staple, no longer reserved for the wealthy or special occasions.
However, the introduction of electricity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries threatened the candle industry. With electric lights becoming the primary source of illumination, the practical need for candles diminished. But candles weren’t about to flicker out. Instead, they found a new purpose.
The mid-20th century saw a resurgence of interest in candles, this time as decorative items. The 1980s, in particular, marked the beginning of a candle renaissance. Candles were no longer just a source of light; they became a way to enhance the ambiance of a room, express personal style, and create a soothing atmosphere. Manufacturers began experimenting with shapes, colors, and fragrances, turning candles into a booming industry.
Sustainable Candle Making in the Modern Era
In recent years, as awareness of environmental issues has grown, the candle industry has responded with more sustainable options. One of the most significant developments has been the introduction of soy wax. Made from soybeans, a renewable resource, soy wax is biodegradable and burns cleaner than traditional waxes like paraffin. It produces very little soot, releases fewer toxins into the air, and has a lower melting point, which means soy candles burn longer and can hold more fragrance oil.
Today, candles are more popular than ever, but their purpose has expanded far beyond simply providing light. They’re a source of comfort, relaxation, and even self-care. Whether you’re lighting a candle to unwind after a long day, to add a cozy touch to your home, or to celebrate a special occasion, you’re part of a tradition that dates back thousands of years.
The history of candle making is a journey through time, culture, and innovation. From the ancient Romans dipping papyrus in tallow to modern artisans crafting eco-friendly soy candles, the humble candle has evolved into something much more than a simple source of light. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and our enduring desire to bring warmth and light into our lives. So the next time you light a candle, take a moment to appreciate the long and storied history that brought that flickering flame into your home.
