In Japan, wax was extracted from a kind of tree nut. Rather than focus on who made candles first, it may be necessary to understand candles as having been created by many different people, all across the world at different times, using available fuels. In India, a plant-based wax was obtained by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree. In ancient Rome, they dipped rolled papyrus repeatedly in rendered animal fat or beeswax, and the papyrus served as the wick. Rushlights, however, had no wick, making them more akin to a torch than to the candle as we know it. Their origin is often attributed to the Egyptians, who created "rushlights" by soaking reeds in animal fat. The word “candle” comes from the Latin word “candele,” a conjugation of the verb “candere,” meaning “to shine.”Ĭandles have been used for at least 5,000 years. Anything solid that melts and can maintain a steady flame can be used as a candle. Candles can be (and have been) made from solid fats as well, such as tallow. This means that while candles are typically made from some kind of wax now, they don’t have to be.
What exactly constitutes a candle and how do they work? If you’re curious about candles, we have answers that will enlighten you! In this article:Ĭandles are essentially any piece of solid, flammable fuel combined with an ignitable wick. We love candles for their soft, warm light, and in some cases, their pleasant fragrance. But perhaps you've wondered how long candles have been around, or what kinds of things they can be made with. Candles are a timeless household staple that have long been a part of our daily lives as both necessity and as luxury.
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