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The history of candles can trace back to a necessity for humans to see during the night.. Before electricity candlelight was the only source of light in homes, but even in ancient times the need for light came from the desire to bring fire wherever needed- and so the desire to perfect the candle has made them last the test of time.
Although, candles are mentioned in the Bible, little is known about the exact origin of candles. Evidence of Ancient Egyptian candle holders were dated back to the Fourth Century. The first candles were made by dipping reeds into animal fat. These first candles did not contain wicks, and are considered torches.
The first recorded use of wicked candles were by the Romans who used candlelight to illuminate banquets, ceremonies, and homes. These candles were made from tallow with wicks made of papyrus strands twisted together. The Romans also used torches, but they burned quickly, and soon it was discovered that by twisting threads of wood together, it produced a wick that burned
Colonial Americans dipped wicks in bear grease, deer suet, or moose fat to produce their candles. These candles were often greasy to the touch, had a bad odor when burned and melted in the summertime. It was then discovered that excreting the oils from bayberry's formed a wax that when burned had a sweet smell (hence the development of scented candles), and were stronger against the heat of summer. Beeswax was found to be even better, but it was very expensive and was only used by the wealthy. Beeswax candles were used as a status symbol.
With the constant development of the technology of wax, the technology for the process of candle making also progressed. A man named Joseph Morgan produced the first candle making machine, in 1834, to mass produce candles. In 1850, paraffin wax made from oil and coal shale's was discovered. Paraffin wax was great because it was inexpensive, and it eventually took hold as the most popular ingredient for candle wax.
After the invention of the light bulb in 1879, the function of a candle was changed drastically. Candles were no longer needed as a source of light, but were still used for ceremonies, decoration, spirituality, and for other uses as has been the traditional use for candles today.
Candles will always be a beautiful source of light, and as long as humans have a strong connection to fire and light they will always value the beauty of candlelight.
Electricity has replaced the candle as an important source of light,
but the candle is still important today for its role in
decoration on festive occasions, for the calm and sanctity it evokes
in religious ceremonies, and for the general mood of warmth, relaxation, and even romance it creates in our homes.
A candle in the kitchen is a source of love to warm your home
A candle in the living room is a source welcoming to invite people in.
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