Candles

Candles are a light source used from the beginning when man first discovered how to make solid fuel out of wax. They’re created by molding a form of wax with a wick in the middle for the flame. This was discovered to be a self sustaining form of light with the flame melting a little of the wax and the liquid wax providing fuel to keep the flame burning.

The first candle was found to have been used back in 3000 BC. The Egyptians and Cretans would make candles using beeswax. Later on in the eighteenth century, oil derived from the sperm whale was found to produce a superior product.

Today the candle has evolved to a purely decorative product that is typically infused with essential oils to produce fragrances. It’s no longer a necessity as it was before the discovery of electricity.

Today, candles still are a favorite among people who want to create a mood or ambience in a room. They give off a soft warm glow that’s flattering to people and creates a romantic atmosphere. Restaurants often utilize the use of candles on tables to encourage a sense of warmth and relaxation.

Many households will also stock up on candles in case of power failures. Many religious ceremonies use candles as part of their proceedings. In Buddhism, candles are placed before shrines as a show of respect. The light is supposed to represent the light of Buddha’s instructions.

In Hinduism, a basic form of candle is used. This consists of oil lit by a wick. It’s considered an extremely important part of the Hinduism rituals.

In Christianity, the candle is used for decoration and ambience in religious ceremonies. It’s a symbol that is supposed to represent the light of Christ.

In Judaism, the candle is lit on Friday evening during a weekly Sabbath celebration and at the end of the ritual. The Jewish holiday, Hanukkah, which is a holiday that lasts eight days, is celebrated by the lighting of a candle on each of those eight nights. Many people throughout the ages have used lit candles as a way of remembering or honoring deceased loved ones.

Candles were even used as timekeepers at one time. They burn pretty consistently and people would mark the time on the sides of the candle to gauge the passing of time.

Today people enjoy the scent of burning a fragrant candle but the addition of essential oils for the scents often clouds a candle by producing excess smoke or carbon deposits. This can be kept to a minimum by keeping the wick trimmed and the flame out of drafts.