What Can We Learn From History About Candle Making

Since primitive times, candle making has beenfor defective burning patterns. In 1825, a braided
considered an art form. However, as the techniquewick was developed that dramatically improved the
became more modern a difference in designs startedburning of several different candle types. In 1830, a
to appear. During primitive times, candles werespecific process was designed to make paraffin wax
necessary to provide light and heat. Today, candlesand molds. These candles not only burned well, but
provide us with decorations and a wonderful scent inthey were also of very good quality.
our home for dinners or baths.Even when electricity and gas started being used, the
It is unknown when candles were first used. Claycandle making process continued to see evolutions.
candle holder remnants have been found at digs asMelting paraffin wax became faster and easier.
far back as 4 BC, which provides us with proof thatTraditional elements such as the hand dipping process
they have been around for a long time. The oldesthave stuck around largely because the popularity of
clay candle holders were found at digs in Egypt.candles has decreased due to the introduction of
During ancient times, candles were used in both Japanelectricity.
and China. Early candles were made from wax thatCandle making today has become an art form. Many
came from seeds or insects. Taper candles in Indiacompanies are focused on creating wonderful candles
came from wax extracted from boiled cinnamon. Thewith a variety of unique fragrances. Many small
earliest known in America came from 1 AD.businesses still focus on making candles from the
Historians believe Native American's burned oily fishhome kitchen. Today, candle making is more than a
and the backs of Cerio trees. Settlers from Newbusiness; it can also be a wonderful hobby and
England used very similar techniques in order to getenjoyable activity for the entire family.
wax from bayberries. Today, modern candle makersInstead of using candles for light and heat, candles
use a process that is very similar in order to createare now used as a luxury and pleasure. As the candle
bayberry candles. However, this traditional processindustry expands new candle types are being
can be very expensive.introduced. The number of colors, fragrances and
In the 1600s and 1700s, tallow was first used as thetypes of candles to choose from is stunning.
product to make candles. Tallow is a byproduct thatCandles are becoming a very popular option for
comes from animal fat. While tallow was effective, itdecorating the home. You can use them to accent
also had a foul odor, especially when burned. Bothany room. Often they perform an excellent
beeswax and paraffin were introduced during thecenterpiece for dinners or other formal occasions. In
1800s and tallow was discontinued.American culture, there is a deep sense of tradition in
Taper candles made from the dipping process startedthe unity candles that are used at weddings.
in 13 AD. Traveler merchants moved from town toCandle crafting is an art form that has drastically
town and made taper candles in the homes ofchanged throughout the years. If you are interested
individuals. In 15 AD, the idea for molds in the candlein trying to make your own, it is a fairly easy
making process was started in Paris. Molds helpedprocess. It is best to start with a container candle or
improve the candle making process, but there werea votive in order to get used to the making process.
still issues in getting candles to burn right.You can find a wide variety of candle making kits at
Candle makers in the 1800s theorized that the wicka low price or books that can provide you with tips
was the weakest area of the candle and responsibleand assistance throughout the process.