Candle History

The very first candles were probably made by the ancient Egyptians who used rush lights which were torches made by soaking the pithy core of reeds into hot animal fat. Romans were the first to use candles that used  a wick that soaked up the tallow and produced a flame.       
 

 
By the middle ages, beeswax was being used to make candles. This wax from the honeycomb of honey bees produced a clean smokeless flame with an odorless scent. Only the  rich could buy these expensive beeswax candles.

 
During colonial times, candles were produced from the sweet smelling, clean burning wax obtained from the Bayberry bush by boiling its berries.
 
In the late 18th century, spermaceti wax was being used for candles. It was oil, found in the head cavities of Sperm Whales, which was then crystallized into what became known as spermaceti wax. This wax had no offensive odor and was harder than earlier candle substances. This produced the first 'standard candles' because the light produced from these candles were clear and bright.

Paraffin wax candles made in 1850 burned cleanly with no foul smell. Paraffin was the result of distilling the residue that remained after crude petroleum was refined. Stearic acid was added to the paraffin which added hardness and helped produce a stronger candle.

Today, candles still symbolize celebration, romance and ceremony. They are enjoyed for their many colors, styles and their simple 'warm glow' .