Where Candles Came From

Candles have been used for thousands of years as a source of light, and their origins trace back to ancient civilizations. The earliest known candles were made by the ancient Egyptians and Romans. Egyptians are credited with creating torches by soaking reeds in melted animal fat (tallow), while Romans developed candles with wicks around 500 BCE, using tallow or beeswax.

In China, early candles were made from whale fat as early as 200 BCE, while in India, candles were crafted from boiled cinnamon to create wax. The Japanese made candles from wax extracted from tree nuts.

Throughout history, candles have played important roles in religious ceremonies, household lighting, and rituals across many cultures. In Europe, during the Middle Ages, beeswax candles became popular, as they produced a brighter light and had a more pleasant smell than tallow candles, though they were much more expensive.

By the 19th century, new materials like paraffin wax (a byproduct of petroleum refining) were introduced, making candles cheaper and more accessible. With the invention of electric lighting, candles became less necessary for illumination but have remained popular for decoration, fragrance, and ritual purposes.