Candles- From Biblical Times to 21st Century

A candle may be defined as a solid lump of fuel, mostly wax, with a rooted wick to burn and provide heat and light. But in actual sense, it implies a lot more than that- it has been a symbol of joy, celebration, gratitude, grief as well as commemoration from past several centuries.

The candles, from very early times, have been used for lighting purposes, sometimes heating, as candle gift and even for time keeping in ancient period. The candles designed for time keeping had time measurements stained along the wax.

Record of Candles

The history of candles dates back to about 200 B.C., when they were made for the very first time from whale fat in China . The candles appeared on the European scene sometime later than 400 AD. They used to be made from natural fat, tallow or wax. Paraffin was introduced in 1800's and has been the chief ingredient of candles since then. In the due course, varieties of candle stands have also been devised – from plain tabletop candle holders to sophisticated decorative candle holders.

Principle Ingredients of Candles

The main item from which the candles are prepared now-a-days comprise of-

• Paraffin - a derivative of petroleum refinement

• Stearin - exclusive palm waxes

• Beeswax - byproduct of apiculture

• Spermaceti - extracted from head of Sperm Whale

• Gel - blend of resin plus mineral oil

Attractive colors can be added to the candles using coloring agents, preferably aniline based dyes. Natural scents and fragrance oils in form of essential oils are often used.

Religious Background

Candles today, apart from illumination purposes, form an important part of religious ceremonies of many different faiths.

• Hinduism - It is often used in Hindu celebrations and social rites as well. It symbolizes enlightenment, prosperity and also hope.

• Christianity - Offering candle before the Lord in Christianity means dedicating oneself at the altar of God.

• Buddhism - As a part of Buddhist ritual observances, candles represent the light of the teachings of Buddha.

• Humanism - To some humanists the candle has been the symbol of reason and rationality.

Modern candles typically burn at the rate of about 0.1gm/min, producing light of intensity 13 lumens.


The market for candles has grown manifold and so has been diversified its uses. They are quite impressive as candle gift , especially if added by decorative candle holders , visit CandleHoldersForYou.com for more information.