Candles: History

Candles, and how they came into being is not exactly known, yet the Ancient Egyptians are generally credited with making the first crude candle. These early candles were made by dipping the fibrous core of reeds into molten animal fat or beeswax. It is the Romans and Ancient Greeks who are credited with developing wicked candles by incorporating strings of linen or flax and later, wool sheerings into tallow that was gathered from cattle or sheep suet. Other ancient methods of candle making include Chinese and Japanese spiritual candles that were made with wax obtained from insects and seeds molded in paper flutes. Wax skimmed from boiling cinnamon was used to make taper-like spiritual candles in India. Early candles were also made by the Eskimos who used animal tissue as a wick in their candles made of whale blubber.

The first great improvement in unique candles occurred in the Middle Ages when beeswax was introduced as the principle ingredient of candles. Unlike candles made from tallow which produced a smoky flame and emitted an acrid odor, candles made from beeswax burned pure and clean. Unfortunately these unique candles were more expensive and became items of luxury used only in religious ceremonies and by royalty.

Another great improvement in materials used to make candles came in the late 18th century with the expansion of the fishing industry. Spermaceti, a wax crystallized from the oil of the sperm whale, became popular since burning these candles gave off no offensive odor as did tallow candles. Furthermore, candles made from spermaceti did not soften or bend in the summer heat. Historians note that the first "standard candles" were made from spermaceti wax.

Before the discovery of electricity, candles were a daily necessity if life was to continue after the sun went down. Two hundred years ago, every town in Europe had at least one candle maker.  Their trade was tightly regulated by statute to prevent the sale of inferior candles and was subject to a tax on every candle sold. Also, making candles at home was forbidden by law and the penalties were quite severe.

During the 1850’s, paraffin waxes suitable to make candles were first extracted from crude oil. After the discovery of petroleum, fractionation of the petroleum by distillation was learned. By chilling and pressing the waxy distillate, candle wax was isolated and collected in great quantities. Paraffin wax was more economical to produce than any preceding candle fuel developed. While paraffin's low melting point may have posed a threat to its popularity in making candles, the discovery of stearic acid solved this problem. Hard and durable, stearic acid suitable for candles was being produced in quantity by the end of the 19th century. By this period, most candles being manufactured consisted of paraffin and stearic acid.

No longer man's primary source of light, candles continue to grow in popularity. Today, candles define ceremony; symbolize celebration, mark romance, and accent decor. Candles will continuing to cast a warm glow for all to enjoy. 

References:

Candles That Earn, by Don Olsen, Peanut Butter Publishing,  ISBN 0-89716-360-5
Candle Crafting, From an Art to a Science, By William Nussle,  A.S. Barnes & Company, ISBN: 0-498-07863-9
Candlemaking, Creative Design and Techniques, by David Constable, Search Press Limited, ISBN: 0-85532-683-2
National Candle Association: www.candles.org