All About Candles

The lights have shed light on human progress for centuries. But there is little knowledge about the origin of candles. Although it is often written that the first candles were developed by the ancient Egyptians who used rush lights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in molten tallow, the rush lights had no wick like a candle. The Romans are credited with developing the wick candle, using it to aid travelers at dark, and lighting homes and places of worship at night.

Like the early Egyptians, the Romans used tallow collected from cattle or sheep tallow as the main ingredient of candles. It was not until the Middle Ages when beeswax, a substance secreted by honeybees to make their honeycombs, was introduced. Beeswax candles were a marked improvement over those with tallow, for they did not produce a smoky flame, or emit a pungent odor when burned. Instead, beeswax candles burned pure and clean. But they were expensive, and therefore only the wealthy could afford them.

Colonial women offered the U.S. the first contribution to the light to do when they discovered that boiling grayish green berries Bayberry bushes produced a sweet-smelling wax that burned clean. However, the extraction of wax from bayberries was very boring. As a result, popularity Bayberry candles soon diminished.

The growth of the whaling industry in the late 18 century brought the first major change in the light making since the Middle Ages, when spermaceti, a wax obtained by crystallizing point sperm whale oil, became available in quantity. Like beeswax, the spermaceti wax did not elicit a repugnant odor when burned. Furthermore, spermaceti wax was found harder than both tallow and beeswax. It did not weaken or bend in the summer heat. Historians note that the first "standard candles" were made from spermaceti wax.

It was in the 19 century when most major developments affecting contemporary light makes occurred. In 1834, inventor Joseph Morgan introduced a machine which allowed continuous production of molded candles by using a cylinder, appearing a moving piston that ejected candles as they solidified.

Further development of light makes it occurred in 1850 with the production of paraffin wax made from oil and coal shale's. Processed by distilling the residues left behind after petroleum was refined, the bluish-white wax was found to burn clean, without unpleasant odor. Of greatest significance was its cost - paraffin wax was more economical to produce than any preceding candle fuel developed. And while paraffin low melting point may have represented a threat to its popularity, the discovery of stearic acid solved this problem. Hard and durable, stearic acid was produced in quantity by the end of the 19th century. For this period, most candles being manufactured consisted of paraffin and stearic acid.

With the introduction of the bulb in 1879, candle making declined until the beginning of this century when a renewed popularity for candles emerged.

Light manufacturing was further enhanced during the first half of the 20 century through the growth of U.S. oil and Meatpacking industries. With the increase of crude oil and meat production, also came an increase in products that are the basic ingredients of contemporary candles paraffin and stearic acid.

No longer man's major source of light, candles continue to grow in popularity and use. Today, candles symbolize celebration, mark romance, define ceremony and accent furnishings - continues to cast a warm glow for all to enjoy.

Candle Use & Safety:

How are candles made?

While modern light-and decision-making processes vary, most candles are made through the timeless process of placing a cotton wick into wax which is then molded, dipped, extruded, pressed, rolled, drawn or filled into the desired shape and size.

What is the best way to store candles?

The candles should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place for tapers, in a flat position to prevent warping. When stored properly, candles can be enjoyed for many years and plays an important role in traditions.

Does industry have standards for candles?

Domestic candle manufacturers have a long tradition of making high quality, long life and safe candles. National Candle Association members - manufacturers and suppliers - working with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to implement voluntary standards for candles.

Are candles safe to use?

The candles are safe when burned properly and responsibly, and according to the manufacturer's instructions. When burning candles, consumers should always follow these simple, common sense steps:

Never leave a burning candle unattended

Keep candles out of reach of children and pets

Trim wicks prior to each use and keep trimmed

Keep candles away from drafts, vents and flammable objects

Turn off a light, light smokers (see instructions before re-lighting)

Turn off lights when ½ "of wax remains in a container

Use only candle holders that are designed for use with candles

Keep matches and other debris out of candle

Extinguish the flame if it burns too close to the container or holder does not move a glass container when the wax is liquid.

What are the typical ingredients of a light?

A candle consists primarily of wax and a wick. Many candles also contain dyes or pigments for color and fragrances to smell and other minor ingredients.

What kind of label information is placed on candles?

No safety information is required on candle labeling. But most U.S. candle manufacturers voluntarily place safety and operating instructions on their candles. National Candle Association is working with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to create voluntary labeling standards for the industry.

Candle Facts:

U.S. candle consumer retail sales for 2001 were estimated at 2.3 billion dollars, not including candle accessories.

There are over 300 known commercial, religious and institutional manufacturers of candles in the U.S., as well as many small craft businesses producers for local businesses, non-commercial use.

Candles are sold principally in three types of retail outlets: department stores, specialty (gift) shops and department stores, including pharmacy chains, supermarkets and discount stores.The U.S. market is typically divided into seasonal (Christmas Holiday) business at around 35%, and non-seasonal business at about 65%.

Typically, a large U.S. manufacturer to offer light from 1000 to 2000 varieties of candles in his range.

Types of candles manufactured in the U.S. include: tapers, straight-sided dinner candles, pillars, Votive, wax-filled containers and news. Many of these come in various sizes and fragrances, and all come in a range of colors.

Candles can range in price from approximately 50 ¢ for a votive finds light at around $ 75.00 for a great pillar of light, although a specialty lighting can be as much as $ 200

Candle shipments increase substantially during the third quarter of the year because of seasonal sales of candles at the end of year holiday celebrations (including Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa), since candles play a large role at this time of year (religious, gifts and decorations ).

Candle industry research indicates that the main factors affecting the light distribution is the shape, color and fragrance. The scent is increasingly important as a significant element in the selection of a candle for your home.

Candle manufacturers' surveys show that 96% of all candles purchased are purchased by women.

Candles are used in 7 out of 10 American households. A majority of consumers burn candles for less than three hours per occasion. A majority of consumers also burn candles between 1-3 times a week with half of these consumers burning 1-2 candles at a time.