Candles are thousands of years old and have been a light source in many places. They are hundreds or even thousands of times longer than electricity. Nowadays, these lights have slowly evolved from just lighting up rooms to various things like decoration, and relaxation even for fragrances.
Let’s Keep reading this article to step into the world of candles and learn how something as simple can bring warmth, beauty, and peace to us.
What Is a Candle?
A candle or a wax light is essentially a stick of wax with a piece of trigger to burn inside it. The flame melts the wax into a liquid and this leads to the fueling of the fire once you lit on the wick. Light and heat are generated with this process, some of them give off a fragrance as well.
There are good enough wax light of all sizes, shapes, colors, and scents. They comes in small enough pieces to fit into a tea light holder or large chunks that can burn for 30+ hours. From paraffin to soy, beeswax to coconut wax— you name it and there is a candle made from that type of wax.
A Brief History of Candles
Wax light have been used for thousands of years. Reeds that were dipped in melted animal fats are some of the earliest known candles, made by Egyptians. As making them evolved by time ,different cultures started to use items like beeswax or tallow to make candles.
This is back in the old days when we — because even so, they were an important source of light at night because there was no electricity before. Not only in homes but religious ceremonies and events also employed them to bring up the light at night. In the present day, the tradition of using candles for religious purposes is still common throughout many societies across the globe.
How Candles Are Made
Making these wax lights is an art that must also be scientific. This process is as simple melting of specific wax, mixing the scents or colors if necessary and final step dressing up liquid cream into a mold. These are the basic steps to follow while making a simple candle,
1- Wax Heating: The wax is heated and melted into liquid form. Is this the secret behind a double boiler (which most people use so they don’t burn their wax)? You can add scents and colors to the wax once it has been melted. There a few that are scented with essential oils such as lavender, and others will be using artificial fragrances.
2- Wick Placement: You need to place a wick in the middle of the mold or container before pouring wax. The wax light will then burns uniformly.
3- Pour into the Mold: Slowly pour in melted wax following the cylinder mold and holder around the wick so that it does not move from place.
4- Allow to Cure: The wax needs time to cool and cure. It may take a few hours depending on size of the wax light.
5- Cut the Wick: After your wax light cools a bit, cut/twist the exposed 1inch (approx) of wick to about half an inch just enough for you light it in rainy weather. We are now finished and it is time to burn your candle!
Types of Candles
They come in many different forms, each one its has own special features and way of uses. Some of the most common variants are given below:
Pillar Candles: These are solid wax light which can be used without any kind of container. They are available in different statures and can keep going a little while.
Tea-Light Candles – They are small circular wax light which fits into holders or floating in water. They are usually either decorative, or useful in the heating of scented oil.
Votive Candles- These are usually typical in glass holders, and they are being frequently used for religious purposes or home decorating.
Jar Candles: They are most popular among the community because they are so effortless to use and usually come in many flavors these candles are contained inside of glass allowing them a longer burn life.
Tapered Candles- Tapers are tall, thin wax light which sit in holders of their own and regularly used on feasting tables as a result of their small flame. Do you want to serve them on special dates…??? Well, Good idea!!
Why Do People Love Candles?
For us, candles mean more than a light source. Why do people like using them? Here are few factors:
Positivity: Some people light candles to promote a relaxing, positive atmosphere. Its soft glow and gentle scents can reduce stress and be used as a calming tool.
Decor: They are really a best way to set up your room. Available in a wide range of colors, designs and dimensions there is guaranteed to be one for any room whether it be appropriate or quirky.
Smell: Scented candles are a common way to introduce fragrance in your space. With floral and fruity tones, there is a scent for everyone. Other fragrances, such as lavender or vanilla can be relaxing or help you sleep better too.
Celebration: They are highly decorative and can be used for holidays, birthdays or weddings. They provide that magical warm ambiance to any festivity.
Emergency Lights: Though we are in 2017 and have electricity, candles still pay off when there are blackouts.
Candles: Something when the lights go out, and you’re desperately looking for something to light up.
Candle Safety Tips
Wax light are just like the beauty of it comes with a price and that is, if you do not have enough knowledge about handling them properly then they can be dangerous. Safety Below are some important safety tips;
1- Never leave them unattended: Burn them in an attended room only
2- Do not place them near flammable items that includes curtains, papers or blankets as these could catch light.
3- Get a good holder – They should never be cheap holders that can easily tip over; make sure it sits solid and safe.
4- Store them up high or in a cupboard: Children can reach and pets will explore, so keep your candle out of harm’s way.
5- Cut the wick: Cut a centimeter long section to avoid producing large flames or smoke.
Conclusion
Candles have been in use for a long while starting with utilizing them as the source of light in the homes and nowadays are utilized for establishing the warm atmosphere. They have many uses such as aesthetic uses and they help in making a given room to have a given scent. But they should be used with caution- they should be kept away from things that can conveniently catch fire- and they should not be left burning. Despite the availability of so many types they remain relevant as well as an indispensable and much-loved part of our existence.