With the invention of modern electricity, it is interesting to note how candles have retained their popularity in our lives. While candles do have a place in households as a form of emergency light, flashlights and lamps would make for more practical tools. Instead, candles have become more novel in their usage. They act as décor pieces, a final touch for a fine evening, or something that can be used to freshen up a room.
But how long have candles existed in history, and how have they evolved over the years? Today we take a look at how this light source came into existence and evolved over the years.
Earliest Roots of Candle Making: Rushlights, Torches, and other Forms of Light
The history of candle making spans millennia, making candles a very old invention. Candle making is interesting because it is one of many technologies that came about due to independent innovation. In other words, multiple civilizations saw a need for candles and then developed the idea without any communication or trade between each respective civilization.
Before candles truly existed torches, open fire, and lamps were the most common ways to provide light. Oil lamps can be considered the earliest “device” for carrying light since they originated from the Paleolithic period. On the other hand, torches and open fire were more accessible due to their simplicity. However, each of them had their limitations as well.
The first iteration of candles can be attributed to the Ancient Egyptians. In addition, archaeological findings have also shown that there were similar technologies available in Crete and Babylonia (modern-day Iraq and Syria). These candles did not have a wick, which is the string that can be seen on modern candles. Instead, these “candles” were closer to torches, as they were created by soaking the cores of papyrus reeds in animal fat. This method of producing rushlights provided many benefits that oil lamps, open fires, and torches did not. While the light they produced was often dimmer, they lasted longer than the other options and provided a steadier flame. The last point is particularly vital to the history of candles, as a steady flame meant that it was safer to use indoors.
Fuel to Burn: The Development of Candles with a Wick
Candles that resemble our modern candles – that is, with a wick -- can be traced back to the Romans. They rolled papyrus into melted tallow or beeswax, creating a light source with great portability. The convenience of this type of candle was seen for household use, for travel, and for religious events.
Similar candles with wicks were developed in Asia as well. In China, their earliest candles were made out of whale fat or from native insects and seeds. For the wick, they used bamboo rods as the core. In Japan, they used wax extracted from tree nuts, and in India, they used wax from boiled cinnamon.
As you can see, all these examples reveal a pattern in how the candle was made. The core was made out of a flammable material that was usually plant based. The wax was derived from whatever materials they had in abundance, whether it was from the byproduct of animals or from plants.
Lighting Up New Roads Through the Industrial Revolution
Initially, candle-making techniques primarily improved through the discovery of new materials that would work for making the wax. With the greater level of trade that came with the Age of Exploration and beyond, new materials such as spermaceti were discovered. This allowed for more durable and brighter candles to be made.
However, it was during the Industrial Revolution when candle-making evolved into the modern processes that we still use to make candles today. Paraffin wax and stearic acid were two ingredients that were discovered. From there, scientists realized that a composite made of these two materials would make candles that were even brighter and more durable.
Furthermore, the advent of manufacturing meant that candle production rose rapidly. Prices were lowered further, which made candles even more ubiquitous to households. These elements combined enabled a new level of standardization and efficiency for candle-making. In other words, they finally brought candles to true mainstream use.
Scented Candles: From Ancient Origins to Modern Trends
Interestingly enough, the idea of scented candles has existed since ancient times. However, the intention behind adding scents to candles differed widely from why people make scented candles today.
The reason why most candles were scented was due to their composition. As mentioned earlier, many candles were made of tallow or some other form of animal fat. While beeswax and other candles did exist, beeswax was considered a more expensive product; its market was restricted to wealthier classes for a long time. Therefore, a tallow-based candle was more accessible and economical to the average person.
The issue with animal fat was that while it was cheap and easily accessible because of where it came from, the stench that resulted from the material itself was often unappealing. To mitigate this, people would mix the tallow with herbs and spices to offset the natural smell of the animal fat. While people weren’t aiming to create something aromatic on purpose, this was where the concept of scented candles originated. Still, for the next few centuries the primary research into candles was focused on the materials used and how to make them more reliable, durable, and brighter.
It wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s when the purpose of a candle was re-evaluated and scented candles became a true part of the larger candle market. During this time, consumer demand for candles went up, pushing the industry forward in their research on multiple fronts.
For example, the introduction of palm wax and soy wax meant that there were alternatives to paraffin. This timely discovery was beneficial as these two alternatives were derived from renewable sources – something that appealed to a consumer base that was becoming increasingly conscious of the environment.
At the same time, people began to view candles as more than an alternative light source. Instead, they began to be seen as items that could act as decorations or even provide therapeutic results. As a response to this rising popularity, new brands offered lineups with candles of different sizes, shapes, and scents. Candle prices now ranged from affordable options for everyday use to high-end luxury products.
Brands also tried to meet the demand for scented candles by creating lines for different moods and occasions. Candles were released in limited edition sets, in seasonal line ups, and in curated collections. Much like with fragrances, accessories, and other products, candle makers used scents and language that were familiar to people in order to invoke specific images. A rose-scented candle brought forth the idea that it would bring a romantic touch to a scene, while a candle that smelled like cinnamon and pumpkin would mesh well with a house that was being set up for the fall season. Calming scents like lavender would create a therapeutic environment as suggested by aromatherapy, lending to the idea that scented candles could even provide benefits to a person’s well-being.
The huge diversity in the candles available meant that candles became an avenue of self-expression. By being able to precisely pick out what type of candle they wanted, people were able to show off their own preferences, mood, and identity. In recent years there are even many independent candle makers who have started their own small business in order to pursue their own ideal set of scents, showing how the freedom of choice and the ability to self-express has only gotten greater than ever.
Conclusion: Scented Candles in This Fall Season
As the weather cools and the days get shorter, candles will once again make their way into people’s lives. Halloween is one big example as candles inside jack-o’lanterns will light up the night. Beyond that, scented candles may find their way into people’s homes as they try to spruce up the room with the scents of fall. Pumpkin spice, cinnamon, vanilla, apple, and brown sugar are just some of the flavors that may make an appearance. All in all, scented candles will bring a warm and comfy charm to any home that’s looking to celebrate autumn. The next time you see a candle this season, maybe it will also invoke the memory of how this light has persisted and developed throughout history.