Whimsical Wednesday ~Light a Candle~

Light a candle in the day,
Though wordless it has lots to say,
Burn a candle in the night
Let it shine out strong and bright.
Watch a candle flicker and dance...
Uplifting your spirit, your mood enhance.
Doreen Scerri © 2011

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.





























Pictures are from shared folders