A candle manufacturer is traditionally known as a chandler. Various devices have been invented to hold candles, from simple tabletop candle holders to elaborate chandeliers.
As the mass of solid fuel is melted and consumed, the candle becomes shorter. Portions of the wick that are not emitting vaporized fuel are consumed in the flame.
For a candle to burn, a heat source (commonly a naked flame) is used to light the candles wick, which melts and vaporizes a small amount of fuel (the wax). Once vaporized, the fuel combines with oxygen in the atmosphere to ignite and form a constant flame. This flame provides sufficient heat to keep the candle burning via a self-sustaining chain of events: the heat of the flame melts the top of the mass of solid fuel; the liquefied fuel then moves upward through the wick via capillary action; the liquefied fuel finally vaporizes to burn within the candle’s flame.
The incineration of the wick limits the exposed length of the wick, thus maintaining a constant burning temperature and rate of fuel consumption. Some wicks require regular trimming with scissors (or a specialized wick trimmer), usually to about one-quarter inch (~0.7 cm), to promote slower, steady burning, and also to prevent smoking. In early times, the wick needed to be trimmed quite frequently. Special candle-scissors , were produced for this purpose in the 20th century and were often combined with an extinguisher. In modern candles, the wick is constructed so that it curves over as it burns. This ensures that the end of the wick gets oxygen and is then consumed by fire a self-trimming wick
History of candle dates back to ancient times, serving both practical and ceremonial purposes. Here’s a brief overview of the evolution of candles:
Ancient Civilizations of candle history
- Egypt (Around 3000 BC): The earliest forms of candles are originated in Egypt. However, these “candles” were not like the ones we use today. Instead, they were torches from reeds soaked in tallow or pitch, which burned for light.
- Rome (Around 500 BC): The Romans credits with making the first true candles. They use tallow (animal fat) and mold it around a wick. These candles were primarily use for lighting and in religious rituals.
Middle Ages (5th to 15th Century) for history of candle
- Europe: During the Middle Ages, candles were important for both lighting and religious purposes. People use tallow candles made from animal fat, which were smoky and had a strong odor. The wealthy use beeswax, which was cleaner, but it was more expensive. Candles became central to Christian church ceremonies, especially for the lighting of altars.
- Monasteries: Monks were among the first to make candles in large quantities, and they often produce beeswax candles for religious purposes.
History of candle 16th to 18th Century
- Improvements in Candle-making: The 16th century saw a shift from animal tallow to higher-quality beeswax for candle-making. Beeswax candles burns cleaner and had a better scent. However, they were still mostly reserves for the wealthy due to their high cost.
- Stearin (19th Century): In the early 1800s, stearin, a wax from animal fats, was develope and became the preferable material for candles. It burns longer and cleaner than tallow.
- Spermaceti: Another breakthrough came in the late 18th century with the use of spermaceti, a wax derived from the oil of sperm whales. Spermaceti wax produce high-quality candles that were odorless and burns more evenly.
19th Century
- Industrialization: The 19th century saw the industrialization of candle-making. The introduction of paraffin wax in the mid-1800s, derive from petroleum, revolutionized the industry. Paraffin was cheap, easy to produce, and burns cleanly.
- Candles for Decoration and Aromatherapy: By the late 1800s, candles began to use more for decorative purposes. The introduction of colorful candles and the advent of smell candles creates a new niche market.
20th Century to Present
- Electricity: With the advent of electric lighting in the early 20th century, the use of candles for illumination declines. However, candles remains popular for their aesthetic and symbolic value, especially for birthdays, holidays, and ceremonial purposes.
- Modern Candles: Today, candles are from a variety of waxes, including soy wax, beeswax, and palm wax. They are in a wide range of settings, from home decor and aromatherapy to spiritual and ceremonial practices.
Candles have evolve from simple sources of light to a multifaceted product that offers ambiance, fragrance, and symbolism across cultures.
