The History of Candles: From Ancient Light to Modern Scentscapes
Candles, a source of light for thousands of years, have journeyed from humble beginnings to becoming a central feature in cosy homes, meditation sessions, and romantic dinners. They’ve transitioned from functional tools to decorative items that offer warmth, ambiance, and even pleasant aromas. Let's dive into the fascinating history of candles, uncovering some fun and interesting facts along the way.
Ancient Origins: A Light in the Dark
Candles are believed to date back to 3000 BC, with evidence suggesting the Egyptians were among the first to use simple wicked candles. These early versions were made from animal fat, like tallow, and reeds soaked in wax, serving as both a light source and a way to keep time.
Fun fact: Ancient Romans used dipped candles made from tallow and beeswax. They even carried candles around in small, portable holders called candelabras. If you’ve ever used one, you’ve participated in a practice that’s over 2,000 years old!
The Candle That Travelled the World
Candles were indispensable in ancient times, and every culture developed its own twist on this practical invention. The Chinese made candles from whale fat, while the Japanese used wax from tree nuts. The Indians turned to cinnamon, boiling it to extract wax for their candles.
Fun fact: In the Middle Ages, beeswax candles became the go-to for church ceremonies in Europe. Their clean-burning flame and pleasant scent made them perfect for religious gatherings, unlike tallow candles, which had a distinctive animal odour!
Scented Candles: A Surprisingly Recent Innovation
While candles had been used for light and timekeeping for millennia, the scented candle as we know it today only really took off in the 19th century. That’s when paraffin wax, made from petroleum, was discovered. This cleaner-burning wax allowed manufacturers to experiment with adding perfumes and scents to the wax. Suddenly, candles were not just functional but a way to add fragrance and ambiance to a room.
Fun fact: The 1980s were a turning point for scented candles, when the rise of the self-care movement paired perfectly with a renewed interest in aromatherapy. Ever since, candles have become a popular way to add scentscapes to homes, whether for relaxation, focus, or nostalgia.
The Candle That Led to the Invention of Light Bulbs
By the 19th century, candles were being mass-produced, but their dominance as the primary source of light was fading. Thomas Edison’s invention of the electric light bulb in 1879 eventually made candles obsolete for lighting purposes. However, their aesthetic and emotional appeal kept them burning strong.
Fun fact: Before Edison, inventor Joseph Swan demonstrated an early light bulb in 1860. His bulb was considered a competitor to candles at the time, but it took nearly two decades for electric lighting to replace candles in most households.
The Renaissance of Candles: A Modern Twist
While technology advanced and lighting changed, candles had a resurgence as a decorative item. In the 20th and 21st centuries, candles became associated with wellness, mindfulness, and luxury. The modern candle industry is all about customization. You can find candles in every possible scent, colour, shape, and size, designed for specific moods and moments. Want a candle that smells like fresh rain, vanilla cookies, or even books? It's out there!
Fun fact: There’s even a candle that smells like outer space! Designed by a former NASA chemist, it reportedly has metallic and smoky notes, like the aroma of seared steak, based on astronaut descriptions.
Sustainable Candles: A New Era
Today’s eco-conscious consumers are looking for more sustainable candle options. Soy wax, coconut wax, and beeswax are popular alternatives to paraffin, which is petroleum-based. Many candle makers are also focusing on using natural essential oils for scenting instead of synthetic fragrances.
Fun fact: Some artisanal candle makers create candles that double as massage oil! Made from skin-safe ingredients, the warm wax can be dripped onto the skin for a luxurious massage.