Candles have been used for more than 5,000 years for light and celebrations. The Ancient Egyptians are often credited with creating the earliest form of candles, which were made from reeds soaked in animal fat but lacked a wick.
Candles have been used for thousands of years, with evidence that many early civilizations developed wicked candles using various waxes made from available plants and insects. The ancient Romans are credited with developing the wicked candle by repeatedly dipping rolled papyrus in melted tallow or beeswax. Early candles were used to light homes, aid travelers at night, and in religious ceremonies. Candles also played a role in early religious ceremonies, with several Biblical references and Emperor Constantine calling for their use during an Easter service in the 4th century.
Early Western cultures primarily used candles made from animal fat (tallow), but beeswax candles were introduced in the Middle Ages and were preferred due to their cleaner burn and pleasant smell. Beeswax candles were expensive, so only the wealthy could afford to burn them at home. Tallow candles remained the common household candle, and by the 13th century candle making had become a guild craft in England and France. Chandlers made candles from kitchen fats or sold them from small shops.
During colonial times, bayberry wax was used to make sweet-smelling candles, but the process of extracting the wax was difficult, leading to a decline in popularity. The growth of the whaling industry in the late 18th century led to the availability of spermaceti, a wax made from crystallizing sperm whale oil, which produced brighter light and did not have an unpleasant odor when burned. This wax eventually became the basis for the first "standard candles."
The 19th century saw major developments in candlemaking, including the discovery of stearic acid and development of stearin wax, the invention of a machine for continuous production, and the introduction of paraffin wax. Paraffin was advantageous due to its clean and consistent burn and economical production, although it had a low melting point. The decline of candlemaking began with the introduction of the light bulb in 1879.
Candles have been popular since the first half of the 20th century, due to the growth of the oil and meatpacking industries, which increased the availability of ingredients like paraffin and stearic acid. Interest in candles as decorative items, mood-setters, and gifts increased notably in the mid-1980s, leading to a broad array of sizes, shapes, colors, and scents. The 1990s saw a surge in candle popularity with the development of new types of waxes, including soybean and palm wax.
Candles have evolved from being a primary source of light to serving multiple purposes such as adding ambiance, symbolizing celebrations, and enhancing home decor. They continue to gain popularity due to their ability to ignite romance and provide a soothing atmosphere.