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Humble as it may seem, candles remain a source of light today despite their dating as far back as 5,000 years. Candles are comprised of a mass of wax or other fuel embedded with wick, and when lit, produce light and heat. Despite their constant presence in the history of humankind, their origins remain in the shadows for many people. In that regard, this article aims to shed some light on their beginnings.

Who created the early wicked candles?

Wicked candles were associated with the Egyptians in 3,000 B.C., who made torches using a pithy core of reeds soaked in animal fat. Their creation was also influenced by ancient Romans as they developed the wicked candle by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. At that time, these candles were necessary to keep their homes warm, to celebrate religious ceremonies, and to aid travellers at night. However, there is evidence that earlier civilizations developed wicked candles using wax made from plants and insects. The method and materials used seem to vary with every civilization. The early Chinese candles, for example, were known to have been moulded in paper tubes using rolled rice for the wick and indigenous insects instead of wax. Either way, all are crafted with a similar purpose.

Moving Forward to 19th Century Advances

By the turn of the 19th century, candles were manufactured in factories to meet the high demands of a growing population. The industrial-scale production was made possible by Joseph Morgan, a Manchester-based pewterer who patented a machine that revolutionized the continuous mass creation of candles. The form of the candle wick itself also evolved into a braid rather than a twisted wick, which was believed to confer better performing and self-trimming candles.

Candle making continued to evolve during the 1850s as James Young, a pioneering chemist, used distilled paraffin from coal and oil shales to lessen the expenses on wax without compromising a high-performing burn. In a few decades, stearic acid was added to increase the durability and shelf life of candles. Despite its significant improvements, the candle-making industry declined rapidly after the invention of the incandescent light bulb and kerosene lamp during 1879.

Making a Comeback in the 20th Century

The popularity of candles was reignited during the first half of the 20th century when the development of cleaner burning ingredients such as soy, palm, and flax-seed oil reinvented the purpose of candles. The 1990s witnessed the rise of scented candles, turning them into a staple decoration in homes, and they were famously used to set the mood in celebrations. Candles were suddenly seen in a new light as an emergence of different sizes, shapes, and colours hooked the market. They generated more and more fans all over the world as the use of candles leaned more towards luxury rather than a commodity. Beyond lighting up a room and casting a warm glow, they also serve to soothe the senses, cast a relaxing ambience, spark romance, honour ceremonies, and act as an accent in home decor. While they are no longer used as a primary source of light, candles remain indispensable today.

Suggested Reading: Choosing Soy Wax Candles As a Healthy and Frugal Alternative to Paraffin Based Candles