Candles

Candles can be traced back as far as 3000 B.C. to the Egyptians and Cretans who made candles from beeswax, natural fats, and tallow. By the 1700s, candles were being produced from the oil of sperm whales, known as spermaceti; however, cheaper oils such as colza and rapeseed would soon pass as substitutes.

Before electricity was discovered, candles were the main source of lighting our otherwise dark planet. Although oil lamps became widely popular toward the end of the 19th Century, they soon gave way to electricity. Today, candles are typically used for ambient and romantic lighting for special occasions. Candles are also handy for power outages during storms. Scented candles are sometimes used in aroma therapy.

Throughout history candles have also been widely used in religious ceremonies. Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Pagans, and others all use candles in their various ceremonies and prayers. Click on the articles below to find out more about candles.