Candle Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
- This article is on the source of light. For other meanings see Candle (disambiguation)
A candle is a light source usually consisting of an internal wick which rises through the center of a column of solid fuel. Typically the fuel is a form of wax with paraffin wax being the most common.
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2 Fuel and candle holders 3 Hazards 4 See also 5 External link |
Usage
Prior to the domestication of electricity, candles were a common source of lighting, before, and later in addition to, the oil lamp. Due to local availability and the cost of resources, for several centuries up to the 19th century candles were more common in northern Europe, and olive oil lamps more common in southern Europe and around the Mediterranean Sea. Makers of candles were known as chandlers.
Today, candles are usually used for their aesthetic value, particularly to set a soft, warm, or romantic ambience, and for emergency lighting during electrical power failures. Scented candles are common in aromatherapy.
Religion
Candles are used in religious ceremonies. In Christianity, they typically represent the light of Jesus Christ. In Judaism, candles are traditionally lit on Friday evening at the start of the weekly Sabbath celebration. The Jewish holiday of Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by lighting a candle in a special candelabrum (menorah) each night during the eight-day holiday to commemorate the dedication of the altar in the Temple in Jerusalem.
Candles were traditionally used to light up Christmas trees before the advent of electric lights. They are still, even today, commonly used to decorate Christmas trees in Denmark. Candles are also used in celebrations of Kwanzaa, which is an African American holiday which runs from December 26 to January 1.
In Sweden (and other Scandinavian countries), St. Lucia Day is celebrated on December 13 with the crowninging of a young girl with a ring of candles.
Measurement
With the fairly consistent and measurable burning of a candle a common use was to tell the time, though the accuracy is debatable. Some candles have these measurements, usually in hours, marked along the wax.
In the days leading to Christmas some people burn a set amount to represent each day, as marked on the candle.
Fuel and candle holders
Candles can be made of paraffin, stearin, beeswax, some plant waxes, or tallow. Candles are produced in various colors, shapes, sizes and scents.
Candles made of beeswax and/or soy burn a lot cleaner than other fuel substances, and are significantly better for the environment. Local and green-friendly candlemakers often work with this substance, and Bath & Body Works; sister site White Barn Candle Company's jarred candles are made from it as well. Burt's Bees is another example.
Decorative candle holders, especially those shaped as a pedestal, are called candlesticks; if multiple candles are held, the term candelabrum is also used. The root form of chandelier is from the word for candle, though candles are rarely raised and hung today.
This is an Article on Candle. Page Contains Information, Facts Details or Explanation Guide About Candle Hazards
Candles are a major cause of damaging fire in households.See also
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