| Candles first served as the main source of | | | | from spermaceti, a wax which was crystallized |
| light for early civilization. They have made | | | | sperm whale oil. These candles had an even |
| many changes through the years. The candles | | | | better odor and would not bend and soften in |
| of today are not the same candles from | | | | warm weather. |
| hundreds of years ago. | | | | |
| | | | In 1834, a machine was invented which mass |
| Before the introduction of wicks, early | | | | produced molded candles. By 1850, we were |
| Egyptians lit their reed torches by soaking | | | | using paraffin wax made from oil and coal |
| them in molten tallow, which is fat from | | | | shale. It was processed by distilling |
| sheep or cattle. Romans later developed wick | | | | residues of crude petroleum refinement. Soon |
| candles which they dipped into the tallow. | | | | after, stearic acid was added to the paraffin |
| | | | wax and these are still the basic ingredients |
| By the Middle Ages, beeswax was being used in | | | | of today's candles. |
| the making of some candles. The candles | | | | |
| burned cleaner than tallow and had a more | | | | Today, we have many kinds of candles to |
| pleasant odor than the tallow candles. | | | | choose from. We have candles in all |
| However, they were more costly and only the | | | | different shapes, sizes, and scents. Not |
| wealthy could afford them. | | | | only do candles add soft light to our home |
| | | | décor, they also add tantalizing aromas |
| In Colonial times, the settlers found they | | | | which can affect our moods. We have many |
| could boil berries from the bayberry bush to | | | | aromatherapy candles to help us feel better. |
| make a sweet smelling and clean burning wax | | | | And how about those candles which bring back |
| for their candles. Unfortunately, it was | | | | childhood memories-There's nothing like a |
| tedious work and it took many berries to make | | | | deliciously scented chocolate chip cookie or |
| just one candle. | | | | apple cinnamon candle to warm up your kitchen |
| | | | on a cold winter day! |
| By the 18th century, candles were being made | | | | |