Candle Making Supplies

The history of candle making is a captivating story.  Why wouldn’t it be with main characters such as fire, heat and light?  Light is usually a collective element in any story ever heard; while heat will only add to the intrigue and fire adds an element of excitement.  Simply put, a disastrous risk lies just beneath the powerful beauty of the tale.

Who Invented the Candle?

There is not a single inventor to give credit to for the art of candle making.  The history of candle making technology was developed independently in many different countries as a means of survival.

Early Origins of Candles

The history of candle making dates back to about three thousand years before the birth of Christ when the Cretans and ancient Egyptians were making candles from beeswax.  Beeswax is a matter secreted from bees as they build honeycombs to store their honey.  Candles made from beeswax are still in demand today and are one of the simplest forms of candles to make at home.

During the first century, the ancient Romans were using candles made from tallow, an animal fat.  They would use the center of a bulrush, a reed that can be found in the wetlands, to serve as a wick.  This form of candle making was used well into the Eighteenth Century, but with spermaceti, which is derived from the blubber of a sperm whale.  These candles were some of the finest candles produced up to that point in the history of candle making.

In time, colza oil (or canola oil), which is derived from turnip and rapeseed oil, replaced the spermaceti.  This enabled candle makers the ability to make candles wherever these plants could be found, and this oil was less costly.

Along Comes Paraffin

The history of candle making was changed forever in 1830 when paraffin was invented.  Paraffin is an inexpensive substance produced by a collection of alkaline based chemicals derived from minerals.  This new material would produce a clean-burning, high quality, odorless candle.  Paraffin was used for other things as well.  You’ll see it on waxed paper, as electrical insulation and in the coating on cheese.  However, it’s most dominant use is its place in the history of candle making.

Since the discovery of kerosene and its excellent use as a fuel source, candles almost became obsolete.  Candles became an item for decorative purposes as the kerosene lamps took over as the indoor light source.

The history of candle making will have new members as resin and soy oil join that rank.  The romantic candlelit dinner and the demand for aromatherapy will always keep the art of candle making alive today.