Candles

While the candle has been a source of light for many centuries, it has been documented that it was the people of ancient Egypt who managed to craft the first candles some 3,000 before the birth of Christ. The materials used for making candles varied by country, region, and also availability of useable materials. Wax from bee hives, insects, seeds, fish oil and beef rendering have all been used and with the changing times and procedures the materials that went into the making of these light sources thereby also altered the way they burned, their smells, and the amount of light they were able to give off.

Over the years, the candle makers perfected their production of candles and soon different varieties, such as paraffin candles, were added to the mix. Of course, the uses for candles have always varied, and once they were no longer essential in order to bring light and warmth to small places, they took on an aura of the spiritual, and their use was oftentimes seen as a metaphor for the many faces of the gods.

Today, candles are still very much part and parcel of the everyday experience, although they are usually only lit during special occasions. Take for example the Yankee candles which are manufactured by the Yankee Candle Company known for its wonderfully scented candles. With the rise in the use of candles for ambience, a host of other products have since flooded the market: there are candle warmers that actually melt the candles without open flames so as to extract the wonderful smell of scented candles; there are battery operated candles and flameless candles for those who love the look and feel of candles but for the sake of fire safety do not believe that an open flame is a safe idea.

Advent candles are an integral part of the Christmas festivities in many households, while ear candles are used by some holistic practitioners to draw ear wax and toxins from a client’s body. Window candles are a wonderful way to display your home at night and during the holiday season many a Menorah is lighting the way for guests and passers by. You may purchase your candles wholesale or at specialty stores. Mail order businesses have sprung up around scented candles and there you will also be able to find many accessories, such as the candle warmer or wick trimmers.