Candles in American History

Unique Candles have always held a place in American history. Early settlers who used luminary candles had a way of scheduling an event such as a prayer meeting by announcing that it was to be held at “early candlelight” referring to a time when homes were lit with candles.  That set the time as late afternoon or early evening when it was customary to light candles after the chores had been done and people were free to leave their household duties for an hour or two.

Unique Candles are a Part of American History

The earliest use of candles in America was a method practiced by Native American Indians who would light a chunk of oily fish mounted onto a forked stick. Candles were made by early Missionaries who had access to the Cerio tree in Southwestern United States. They would boil its bark and collect a crude wax that was used to make candles.

Candles were highly valued in the days of the colonist, since fat was very scarce and candles were imported from England. Because luminary candles were a luxury, the pine torch, commonly used by Indians, was substituted. Other crude and unique candles were the so called, “candlewoods” made from strips of pine wood covered with pitch. Another early predecessor of candles was the ‘rushlight” which was made by peeling the pith from rush harvested in late summer and dipping them in grease.

Candles were also made with bayberry wax which was collected by boiling bayberries in copper or brass kettles and then skimming the fatty wax that rose to the surface. Candles made with bayberry gave off a delicate, woodsy fragrance making these candles one of the first scented candles that we enjoy so much today.

Candles have been an important part of some of America’s most historic events. The signing of the Declaration of Independence took place by candlelight and the first reception in the White House in 1809 was held by the light of a thousand candles.

References:

Candles That Earn, by Don Olsen, Peanut Butter Publishing, ISBN 0-89716-360-5