10/03/2025
The history of candle making spans thousands of years and reflects humanity's quest for light, warmth, and ritual. Here is how it all started:
Ancient Beginnings
Early Candles (3000 BCE): The earliest candles were made by the ancient Egyptians, who used rushlights or torches made by soaking reeds in melted animal fat.
Ancient Romans (500 BCE): The Romans are credited with developing the first true dipped candles using tallow (rendered animal fat) and woven fibres as wicks.
Middle Ages
Tallow Candles: In medieval Europe, tallow remained the primary material for candle making.
Beeswax Candles (Middle Ages): Beeswax candles emerged as a cleaner, brighter alternative
Industrial Revolution
Paraffin (19th Century): The 19th century brought significant advancements. Paraffin, in particular, became the most widely used material due to its affordability and clean burn.
Mechanization: The Industrial Revolution introduced mechanized candle production, making candles more accessible to the general public.
20th Century to Present
Decline and Revival: With the invention of the electric light bulb in the late 19th century, candles became less essential for illumination. However, they remained popular for decorative, aromatic, and ceremonial purposes.
Modern Candles: Today, candles are made from a variety of materials, including soy wax, palm wax, and synthetic blends.