Candles

Before the invention of electricity, candles were the main source of light in homes after dark, in especially in Northern Europe and in the British North American colonies. Women made their own candles from tallow, which is rendered beef fat. In large cities, there were candlemaker, called chandlers, who made and sold candles to customers. The candles of today are made of wax. Paraffin wax is most commonly used, but there are also candles made from beeswax, gel and soy.

The process of lighting a candle remains the same. All candles require a wick, which you light with a match or a lighter. The heat from the small flame melts the wax, which is the fuel needed to keep the flame going. This liquid fuel moves downward as the wick burns until all of the wax and the wick are burned out leaving only a residue of wax.

Candles have always been a part of religious ceremonies. Christian churches have candles burning on the altar during the services and at special occasions, such as baptisms and marriages, the participants light a candle to mark the solemnity of the event. They then have a candle to take home with them as a memento. Candles are part of all Buddhist ritual observances and in Hindu homes candles are lit on the small altars on a daily basis.

Candles are a decorative element in homes. They come in all shapes and colors are scented. Thus burning a candle provides an atmosphere in the room as well as scenting the air. Those made of beeswax burn cleaner than those of paraffin and oil-based materials, which is why they are the preference of homeowners. Burning cleaner means there is no smoke from them while they are burning or when they are extinguished.

A variety of containers are used for holding the candles. Very decorative candleholders are called candlesticks and hold tall tapered candles. Small candles are called votives and are used in tiny vases. Tealight candles can float in a container of water and provide a delicate touch in decorating any setting.