According to Wikipedia, A candle is a solid block or cylinder of wax with an embedded wick which is lit to provide light, and sometimes heat. I think it is much more than that!
We burn candles for many reasons, for light, for ambiance, for remembrance, for therapy, and as a symbol of peace and eternity and during many celebrations and festivities. A Candle burning on a window sill is also a sign of solidarity. The mere action of lighting a candle gives us a feeling of calm. The history of candles goes back a long way, way back to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) when the Chinese made them from whale fat. Candle making however was developed independently in many countries throughout history.
Although it is also often written that the first candles were developed by the Ancient Egyptians who used rushlights, or torches, made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in molten tallow, the rushlights had no wick like a candle. The Romans are credited with developing the wick candle, using it to aid travellers at dark, and lighting homes and places of worship at night.
At one time candles were also used for time keeping. They were instrumental in indicating predetermined periods of time. King Alfred the Great (c. 849 - 899) used graduated candles also known as candle-clocks to divide up his day into equal periods of study and prayer, royal duties, and rest. These candle clocks had lines around the side to show the passing of each hour.Later, 24-hour candles were invented based on the same concept. During the Sung Dynasty in China (960–1279) calibrated candles and sticks of incense measured time. Calibrated candles were first used in England for time keeping in 870.
Today, most candles are made from paraffin. Candles can also be made from beeswax, soy, other plant waxes, and tallow (a by-product of beef-fat rendering).
Now that you know a little more about candles, relax from your daily grind and light a candle. Enjoy its delicate motion and soft light. You can also light a cyber candle by clicking on the Light a Candle icon above.
Ideas for gifts: Candles, candle holders, candlesticks, candle sets, incense sets, or an ornamental candle snuffer which will make a unique gift for the impeccable hostess.
Hi I'm Doreen, welcome to my blogging world!
I hope you will visit often to share the ideas and moments in my creative and writing adventures.
Being creative is just so much a part of me...I love to do all kinds of crafts, redecorate, recycle, paint, write poetry and stories and I also enjoy taking pictures. There is so much around us that inspires me to create and write about and I thank God for all of it...every day I try to do something creative, however little or big, and that gives me a feeling of happiness and fulfillment. I invite you to join me in my adventures...