The virtuous qualities of candles through the ages

Article Written By: Gecko

Candles have existed in some shape or form for thousands of years. Evidence strongly suggests Egyptians were producing candles out of beeswax as far back as 3000 BC which is incredible. Apart from beeswax used by the Egyptians, other countries also formulated their own unique versions of the candle. For example, the ancient Japanese created tapers made from fibrous bull rushes or insects wrapped in paper then dipped in wax or tallow (animal fat which has a particularly acrid and repulsive smell when burned). The ancient Chinese made candles from whale fat taken from the animal blubber which I should imagine was also unpleasant while cinnamon was boiled in India to release the wax using it to make highly aromatic temple candles.

In 1415, the Tallow Chandlers Company of London was formed in about 1300 where tallow candles were predominantly used to illuminate street lamps. Though due to the acrid smell from the burning tallow, beeswax was used instead.

40 years ago, as a child growing up in the late 60 s, I remember we had a box of plain white candles and matches on the shelf in our larder. This was incase there just happened to be a power cut, which certainly happened frequently in those days. These candles were purely functional and were very unattractive and unscented.

Today candles come in all shapes and sizes. A sumptuous array of colours and aromas to suit all themes are available from most retail outlets particularly the garden centres, supermarkets and gift shops. A recent trip to my local garden centre amazed me when I saw they had changed the layout of the foyer. It was full of candles, soaps, oils and bath bombs and looked like a sweetshop cleverly lit with spotlights to highlight the tremendous colours.

The most prevalent use I can see for candles at a commercial level is for air freshening purposes since there are shelves of candles vowing to rid your room of horrible odours! Candles are also used heavily in aromatherapy with certain aroma combinations believed to heal ailments such as stress or depression. Every kind of perfume imaginable from the seasonal Christmas cinnamon and spice, to a more traditional floral combination such as lavendar with lily or the more contemporary cappuccino, caramel or vanilla.

It is truly incredible to think that the candle has remained very much a treasured commodity in modern day. It has well and truly stood the test of time even though their main function of light or heat has become defunct. I adore candles and I can normally be found looking at them and smelling their wonderful aroma combinations at any craft fair or gift shop. I am drawn like a magnet by the designs and colours. For example there are candles inlaid with dried flowers, or embossed or painted with wonderful gold or silver embellishments.

I also have a constant supply of scented and plain white tea lights which are dotted around the living room at night to create and cosy and warm atmosphere. I also have two scented candles in the bathroom which work perfectly when having a soak. I just love them and can never have too many!

About the Author

Hand made Fair trade candles and fair trade jewellery by Belinda Bryant. Visit Indigo Ocean Trading.

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