Interesting Facts About Candles

Though we’ve come a long way since the days of lighting up homes with candlelight, candles are still very much used, mostly for the cosiness and warmth they bring to a home; though they are a source of light in times of natural disasters and blackouts so their primary purpose isn’t entirely gone.

They’re ideal for any occasion we can think of, celebrating birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, holidays, romantic dinners or relaxing baths and that’s what makes them special. Likewise, they’ve been used throughout centuries for religious purposes too, that we still have today.

Same as candles, the history of candlestick and candle holder goes a long way back to get to the wide stylish ranges we have today, differing in shapes, materials and sizes. Unlike their primary role in protecting homes from fires, candlesticks and holders now have more of an aesthetic one, beautifying an interior and adding to its warmth with their unique designs same as candles themselves do.

Moreover, they make the perfect fancy presents no matter the event! Now, the beginnings of candle-making aren’t specifically clear, considering candles were used for more than five millennia, but one might say the art was perfected by the ancient Egyptians who created the first beeswax candles, followed by their creation of clay candle holder in the 400 BC.

Other cultures like the Chinese and Japanese relied on whale fat for candles, whereas India had its own first scented candles created out of cinnamon. Scent is exactly what makes the leading aspect nowadays when it comes to helping us choose certain candles, prior to colour, size and shape.

The paraffin candles we know of today weren’t in use before the 19th century. This changed when Scottish chemist James Young (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Young_(chemist)) separated and refined oils, something that would later lead to him being known as Paraffin Young.

Of course, there are now more types of wax being used, such as that of soy and palm other than beeswax, if you’re up for something natural and not as dangerous as paraffin. Studies conducted in the recent years have shown burning paraffin candles can increase the pollutants in the indoor air, so it might be best to stick to regularly burning the organic ones to avoid exposing yourself to toxic fumes.

If you want to unwind and relax, choose your candles wisely, pick out your candlestick to make the most of interior décor and see how stress goes away as you watch the warm flame burning.

Your own meditative therapy in your own home!