Candles Then and Now

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Recommended: The chemikcal history of a candle

Have you ever walked into a store that sold candles? What a beautiful sight to see and even better smell in the air. Have you ever thought about what all goes into making them? When making candles there are many things to consider; what is the purpose or use, what type or style, how long does it need to last, and the necessary tools. There are so many different types of candles; jar, votive, pillar, taper, single and multiple wicks are just the beginning. When looking at a candle, or even burning a candle, there is more to a candle then wax, color, wick, and smell, there is science to making candles. My goal for this paper is to give the history of candles, the different purposes they are used for, what materials are necessary to make candles, and what processes are used to produce candles.
Candles have been used for many centuries. “The Egyptians were using wicked candles in 3,000 B.C., but the ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle before that time by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax.” (History of Candles). Ancient Egyptians used torches, also known as rushlights, as a source of light. Rushlights were not made the same way or with the same material as traditional candles are made today. Rushlights did not have a wick but instead was made from the middle of reeds and soaked in animal fat that had been melted to a liquid form (History of Candles). In ancient writings the word candle appears to possibly have a different meaning, “torch” but there is no direct translation to say for sure. One thing for sure is that candles have come a long way, but some of the materials used have changed over time. Starting out as wood, center of reed, or just a piece of rope or cord d...

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...e Ancient Egyptians in 3000 B.C. to around the world in present day 2014, the uses are still the same. Processes of making candles have changed over the years, but some of the old techniques are still being used today. Next time you see a candle I hope there is a better appreciation for what you see in front of you. When burning a candle and it is not melting or smelling the way it should, now you know why, someone did not do their homework.

Works Cited

"Candle, Cylinder Of Wax Or Tallow." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6Th Edition (2013): 1. Academic Search Premier. Web. 11 Feb. 2014
Forté, Carolyn. "Calling All Candle Lovers!." Good Housekeeping 241.6 (2005): 37. Academic Search Premier. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
"History of Candles." National Candle Association: About Candles. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
"Wick Guide." CandleScience. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2014.

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