Candles have become a common fixture in home décor, but their history stretches back thousands of years. Candles used to be considered much more than their current role in setting a cozy ambiance.

While we may not often think about it, the evolution of candles is a fascinating journey from necessity to artistry.

The Origins of Candles

The earliest use of candles is attributed to the Egyptians over 5,000 years ago. These early versions were utilitarian, providing illumination in dark spaces. However, the first candles were not made from wax as we know it today. Early civilizations used a variety of natural substances, including:

• Whale fats and other animal-derived oils
• Berries, pine nuts, and tree sap
• In India, boiled cinnamon tree fruit to create a fragrant wax

Egyptians were also the first to use wicked candles as early as 3,000 BCE, which allowed for more controlled burning.

The Evolution of Candle-Making

Different cultures refined candle-making techniques over time:

• Rome: Used melted papyrus dipped in tallow or beeswax.
• China: Crafted wax from rice paper wicks and insect-based wax mixed with seeds.
• Japan: Extracted wax from tree nuts.
• India: Boiled cinnamon tree fruit for wax.

While tallow-based candles were widely available, they emitted a foul odor when burned. Beeswax, on the other hand, burned cleanly and produced a pleasant scent, making it a luxury item reserved for the wealthy.

Methods of Candle Production

Throughout history, candles were crafted using various techniques:

• Rolling wax by hand
• Pouring wax into paper tube molds
• Repeatedly dipping wicks into melted wax to build up layers

These methods evolved as demand for candles increased, particularly in religious and ceremonial settings.

Candles in Religious and Cultural Traditions

Candles have played an essential role in religious and cultural ceremonies for centuries:

• Jewish Festival of Lights (Hanukkah): A central tradition involving the lighting of candles.
• Easter Candles: Documented in Spain and Italy as early as the 3rd and 4th centuries.
• Candlemas (Catholic Tradition): Instituted by Pope Sergius I, incorporating a procession of lighted candles.

By the 13th century, candle-making had developed into a guild craft in England and France, with the Tallow Chandlers Company of London forming around 1300. The Wax Chandlers Company, which specialized in beeswax candles, was officially recognized in 1484.

The Rise of Modern Candle-Making

In America, colonists experimented with alternative wax sources, such as boiling bayberries for a clean-burning wax. However, the process was labor-intensive and did not become mainstream.

By the late 18th century, the whaling industry extracted spermaceti, a type of wax that burned brighter and odor-free.

During the Industrial Revolution, candle-making saw major advancements:

• French chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fats, leading to harder, cleaner-burning candles.
• 1834: Joseph Morgan, an English inventor, created a machine for mass-producing molded candles, reducing reliance on traditional chandler guilds.
• 1850s: Paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, became a cost-effective alternative, though today we recognize its environmental drawbacks.

You can read more about the modern manufacturing of candles.

Candles in the Modern Era

The invention of the incandescent light bulb in 1879 led to a decline in candle usage. However, by the 20th century, candles saw a resurgence—not as a necessity, but as a beloved part of home décor, gift-giving, and mood-setting. Today’s candles come in a wide variety of:

• Fragrances and essential oil blends
• Decorative containers and sustainable packaging
• Eco-friendly waxes, such as soy and coconut wax

At Southern Oak Artisan, we take pride in crafting candles that are not only aesthetically beautiful but also environmentally responsible. Our products are designed to bring warmth and relaxation while ensuring a positive impact on both your well-being and the planet.

You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby!

Candles have come a long way from their origins as simple sources of light. While they no longer serve as the primary means of illumination, their role in celebrations, relaxation, and ambiance continues to grow.

Whether igniting romance, soothing the senses, self-care practices, or accenting home décor, candles remain a timeless and cherished part of everyday life.

Explore our collection of handcrafted soy candles and experience the beauty of modern candle artistry!