History About Candles – Origins & Development Explained

Candles have been a part of everyday life for thousands of years. They provide light and warmth in our homes and create a beautiful ambiance. When paired with the right decor, it even evokes feelings of nostalgia. The history of candles is a charming lesson in the evolution of human society.

But when were candles first invented? And how did they evolve? Their invention should be credited to the Ancient Egyptians, who used them as early as 3,000 BCE. From then on, candles underwent many changes that ruled their use in everything from religious ceremonies to modern-day decoration.

This timeline will explore the evolution of this timeless origin of light and show how it has adapted over the centuries. Let’s take a look back at the fascinating history of candles! 

History Of Candle Making

Although the exact timeline is not known, historians believe that candles were invented sometime during the Stone Age. The earliest record of candles dates back to 200 AD by the Roman natural philosopher Pliny the Elder. He wrote about tallow dips made from animal fat and beeswax.

In the 16th century, creators started using spermaceti, a wax found in whale oil, in China. In 1825, Joseph Morgan invented the first machine to produce candles. The invention of stearic acid allowed for a new type of oil-based candle, which was cheaper and more efficient. The use of candles spread across Europe in the Middle Ages, and they were made from beeswax or tallow. They were expensive to make, so only rich people could afford them.

Origins

The origins of candle-making stretch back to ancient times, with the earliest record of a candle dating back to the 4th century BCE. The Ancient Egyptians used animal fat for their candles, while the Ancient Romans used tallow instead of beeswax due to its affordability. 

The use of candles dates back to ancient times, with evidence pointing towards prehistoric man using primitive torches backed by animal fat or beeswax as a light source. The use of candles became widespread across Europe during the Middle Ages. They made candles using beeswax or tallow.

Ancient candles

Candles play a role in ancient religious ceremonies, lighting up temples and sacrificial offerings to the gods. In ancient times, people made candles from various waxes and combustible materials like tallow (animal fat) or beeswax. They made the wicks from different materials such as rushes, bark fibers, dried fungus, paper, or other fibrous materials. They soaked the material in wax or oil and rolled it into the desired shape. People used these candles for ceremonial and practical purposes.

Ancient Greeks took innovation one step further by producing colored candles derived from natural ingredients such as saffron and other flowers to add an impressive effect when lit up. Ancient candles have left a lasting impression on candle-making today, with many people still using the same Ancient methods to craft them.

Modern-Day Candles

The modern era has seen the continued use of candles for different purposes. At that time, modern candles were made using machines with pre-made containers and wicks. That allowed the candles to be mass-produced efficiently. 

The first modern candle factory was established in 1790. They use fat as the main ingredient. Since then, modern candles have been made out of a wide range of materials, such as paraffin wax, beeswax, and soy wax. Nowadays, modern candle manufacturers are constantly innovating new ways to ensure their products stand out from the competition.

Chemical History Of Candles

Candles’ chemical history begins with the first use of tallow, a rendered form of animal fat, during ancient times. Around the mid-18th century, wax became the preferred material for producing a more consistent and longer-burning flame. Furthermore, several chemical advances in the production and scenting of wax candles occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

In the mid-1800s, people started using paraffin wax because it was cheaper than tallow and beeswax. This made it easier to make lots of candles. Over time, we learned more about chemicals. Now, we can make many different kinds of candles that can burn for different lengths of time and at different strengths.

History Of Scented Candles

Scented candles have been around since ancient times. The French perfumer M. Choisnard created the first scented candle in 1830. Using an innovative process, he merged the fragrances with wax to build the first aromatic candles. These serve for religious ceremonies and celebrations, as well as for general home decor purposes.

In modern times, scented candles are made from an alloy of different waxes, such as paraffin, soy, and beeswax. Essential oils are added to Scented candles to give them a pleasant scent. These essential oils can arise from flowers, herbs, spices, or fruits. Since then, scented candles have become increasingly popular, and today they are available in a wide range of fragrances, including lavender and jasmine.

History of Yankee Candles

Yankee Candles were first invented and manufactured in 1969 in Massachusetts by a 23-year-old entrepreneur, Michael Kittredge. Yankee Candles became one of the most popular candle lines in America. 

Over the next several years, Yankee candles began to evolve, introducing more colors and scents. As the popularity of Yankee candles soared, they earned a reputation for their high-quality products. This surge in demand from satisfied customers subsequently paved the way for Yankee Candles to expand its reach statewide by 1985.

Today, Yankee Candle is one of the largest producers of scented candles in the U.S., with a product line that includes not only classic jar and tumbler candles. But also electric home fragrance units, such as room sprays and car fresheners. 

History of Colonial Candles

During colonial times, candle-making was a critical skill for families. The process required a lot of patience. Colonists often used bayberry wax, which burned cleanly and had a fresh scent. However, bayberries were hard to source in large quantities, so tallow candles were more common.

They made candles by repeatedly dipping a wick into melted tallow and letting it cool after each dip. This method was time-consuming but effective. Candle-making during colonial times was a busy hobby for households and a skilled craft for artisans.

Candles in Tradition and Culture

Candles have always held cultural significance. From religious rituals to birthday cakes, candles symbolize celebration, reflection, and hope.

One famous tradition is placing candles in windows. Candles in windows date back to colonial America, where they symbolized warmth, safety, and welcome. This tradition continues today, especially during Christmas.

Candles on birthday cakes are another well-known custom. Have you ever thought about why we put candles on birthday cakes? This practice began with the Ancient Greeks. They lit candles on cakes to honor the goddess Artemis. Blow out the candles, like sending our wishes up to the heavens!

Even Christmas tree candles have historical significance. In 16th-century Germany, families decorated trees with candles, a tradition that later evolved into modern string lights.

Conclusion

The history of candles is an interesting one that stretches back centuries. Candles are used for practical reasons, religious ceremonies, and even home décor. From the ancient Egyptians to the modern world, we’ve seen a lot of changes in candle-making and use, and it’s clear that candles are here to stay. 

FAQS

How were candles made in the old days?

In the old days, people made candles by dipping strings into melted wax or using whale fat or beeswax. They also used other materials like tallow, candelilla wax, and bayberry wax. Candles could also be crafted from molded molds filled with hot liquid wax. 

When was the candle invented?

The invention of the candle is supposed to have occurred sometime around 200 BCE. It is believed that ancient Egyptians used candles made with melted tallow (animal fat) and a wick of cloth or rushes. The Romans, who adopted this technology from the Greeks, began using wax from bees and carnivorous animals in their candles.

When were scented candles invented?

Scented candles, dating back to 5000 BC, were initially made from beeswax or tallow with added herbs or resins for fragrance. Today, they are made from paraffin wax and enhanced with synthetic oils for a variety of scents.

What are the different types of wax used to make candles?

Candles are made from various types of wax like paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, and palm wax, along with other natural and synthetic blends. Each wax type has unique properties suitable for different purposes. The choice of wax depends on individual needs and preferences.

 How did they make candles in medieval times? 

 In old times, people used beeswax from beehives and tallow from animal fat to make candles. They melted these, shaped them into candles, and then lit them up.