Candles
Candles
A Light Through the Ages The Flickering, Fascinating History.
In a world dominated by LED bulbs and smart lighting systems, it’s easy to forget that for thousands of years, the humble candle was the very definition of artificial light. Today, we strike a match to one for ambience, aromatherapy, or celebration, rarely pausing to consider the story behind that small, steady flame. But if you follow the trail of melted wax and charred wicks through time, you’ll discover that the history is a story of human ingenuity, religious ritual, and even political intrigue.
The First Flames: Early Origins
The origins trace back over 5,000 years, though pinpointing its precise birthplace is tricky. Some of the earliest recorded use comes from ancient Egypt, around 3000 BC. Egyptians, however, weren’t using candles in the way we think of them today. Instead, they crafted “rushlights” — torches made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. These rudimentary light sources lacked a wick but served the same essential purpose: to extend the day into the dark hours of night.
Around the same era, across the Mediterranean, the Romans were innovating further. They are widely credited with developing the first true dipped candle. By repeatedly dipping rolled papyrus in melted tallow (animal fat) or beeswax, they created a portable, longer-lasting source of light. These illuminated homes, accompanied night-time travellers, and were even integral to early Christian ceremonies — a role they would continue to play for centuries to come.
The Ingredients of Illumination: Wax and Wicks Through Time
The earliest candles relied heavily on materials that were readily available — and, let’s be honest, not always pleasant. Tallow, made from rendered beef or mutton fat, was common in Europe for centuries. While it was inexpensive and easy to produce, tallow had its downsides: it smoked heavily and released an odor that could generously be described as “pungent.”
For those with means, beeswax was the preferred alternative. Not only did it burn cleaner and brighter, but it also emitted a naturally sweet scent that made indoor spaces far more bearable. Beeswax candles were a staple in churches and royal courts, their warm glow lending an air of sanctity and prestige to sacred ceremonies.
Meanwhile, across Asia, candle-making took an entirely different path. In China, as early as the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC), candles were made from whale fat, a practice that would later spread to parts of Japan. Japanese candle-makers often used wax extracted from tree nuts, such as the haze tree, yielding a cleaner burn than animal fat.
Wicks also evolved over time. Ancient wicks were typically made from rolled papyrus or plant fibres, and as techniques improved, cotton became the gold standard. Cotton wicks soaked up molten wax efficiently, allowing for a steadier, longer-lasting flame.
Candles in Ritual and Revolution
Candles have always done more than just light up dark spaces — they’ve carried symbolic weight across cultures and centuries. In religious traditions worldwide, they represent enlightenment, the divine, and the passage of time.
In Judaism, the menorah’s candles commemorate the miracle of the oil lasting eight nights during Hanukkah. Christianity uses candles extensively in worship, from the Advent wreath to the paschal candle at Easter, symbolising Christ as the light of the world. In Hinduism, small, oil-filled lamps known as diyas are lit during Diwali, the festival of lights, to signify the triumph of light over darkness.
Beyond religion, candles have also played unexpected roles in history. During the Middle Ages, they were a marker of wealth and power. Candle-makers, known as chandlers, formed their own guilds, regulating the trade and elevating the craft to a respected profession. By the 17th century, chandlers were producing candles from spermaceti, a wax derived from the head oil of sperm whales. These candles burned brighter and cleaner than any before, further fuelling Europe’s growing appetite for illumination.
Candles even found their place in political history. During the American colonial era, patriots used candlelit meetings to conspire against British rule. The very act of gathering by candlelight became a quiet form of rebellion, a way to keep the revolutionary flame burning — quite literally.
The Industrial Revolution: Mass Production and Decline
The 19th century brought seismic changes to candle-making. In 1834, inventor Joseph Morgan developed a machine that allowed for the continuous production of moulded candles. This innovation slashed production costs and made candles more affordable for the average household.
Around the same time, chemists began experimenting with new materials. Paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining, emerged as a game-changer in the 1850s. Cheap, odourless, and clean-burning, paraffin quickly became the material of choice for mass-produced candles. Stearic acid, derived from animal fats, was also added to improve hardness and burn time.
But as electric lighting swept the industrialised world by the early 20th century, the candle’s practical use waned. Light bulbs offered a safer, more reliable alternative, relegating candles to the role of decorative or emergency lighting.
A Modern Revival: Candles Today
Ironically, the rise of electricity didn’t snuff out the candle — it sparked a renaissance. No longer essential for visibility, candles found new life as objects of beauty, relaxation, and ritual.
Today’s candle market is a far cry from the smoky tallow tapers of medieval Europe. From soy and coconut wax to rapeseed blends, modern chandlers experiment with eco-friendly, sustainable materials. Artisanal candle-making has blossomed into a global industry, with scents ranging from the nostalgic (fresh linen, autumn leaves) to the exotic (oud wood, yuzu blossom).
Candles have also become deeply personal items. They mark milestones, create ambience, and offer comfort in uncertain times. Perhaps that’s why, despite millennia of technological progress, we’re still drawn to the simple magic of fire encased in wax.
The Enduring Flame
So next time you light a candle — whether it’s for a birthday wish, a romantic dinner, or just to unwind after a long day — take a moment to appreciate the journey of that small flame. From ancient Egypt’s rushlights to the sophisticated, scented creations of today, candles have not only illuminated our physical spaces but have also kindled something deeper: a sense of connection to history, to ritual, and to the enduring human quest to hold back the dark.