A BRIEF LOVE LETTER TO CANDLELIGHT

hourglasscreations

Aug 30

4 min read

Even as a writer, it sometimes seems impossible to explain and describe the glow of a candle. One little light transforms any space, making it softer and quieter somehow. Flickering near your bath, on the family dinner table, or in a meditative space, candlelight holds an honorable place in human experience.

It was not so long ago that you couldn’t turn a switch and get light. Candles were necessities. We don’t need them now, but we certainly use them. There’s a relationship between the light of the flame and how we feel. This is my love letter to candlelight,

honoring it for chasing away small darkness and offering hope.

I suspect I'm not alone in this, but I rarely light a candle simply because I need more light. More often, it's because I need a different kind of light. The kind that reminds me to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and enjoy the moment I'm in.

A History of Candlelight

Humans have sought portable light for thousands of years. Before candles came oil lamps fueled by animal fat or vegetable oils. The earliest true candles likely appeared more than 2,000 years ago, though they differed dramatically from the wax candles we know today.

Candles in Rome

Ancient Romans seem to have been the forerunners in creating early dipped tallow candles by repeatedly immersing papyrus reeds in melted animal fat. They worked, but had a rather nasty smell and produced a lot of smoke.

Candle Craft in Asia, China, Japan, India

Across Asia, candle-making evolved differently. Chinese artisans fashioned candles from whale fat and insect waxes, while Japanese craftsmen refined candles from wax harvested from sumac berries. In India, wax extracted from cinnamon trees was sometimes used for ceremonial candles.

Middle Ages: Candle Advancements

During the Middle Ages, beeswax became the gold standard because it burned cleanly, smelled naturally sweet, and produced little smoke. Because of its cost, beeswax candles were reserved primarily for churches, monasteries, royalty, and those with great means.

Industrial Revolution

Then comes something we’re more familiar with: Paraffin wax. It is inexpensive and reliable. Even after we stopped using candles for lighting, they remained a source of inspiration.

Candle Uses:

People use candles for a wide variety of things. Practically, you can light them in power outages, use them as firestarters, or create a romantic ambiance with candlelight

Some become part of meditative or ritual practices, the candlelight creating a bridge between us and the Universe. Some are used for magical intents.

In this case, color symbolism plays a role:

White for purification or peace

Green for prosperity and growth

Blue for healing or tranquility

Red for courage, vitality, or passion

Purple for wisdom and spiritual insight

Gold for success and abundance

Having said that, you really don’t need a reason to use candles. Light them and enjoy any time. In fact, research shows that candlelight can help reduce stress (compared with harsh overhead lighting in many establishments). They create a sense of comfort and intimacy. When you light a candle, it creates a deliberate transition. Something different and wonderful is about to happen.

**DARK AND STORMY HAND-PAINTED ARTISAN CANDLE FRONT AND BACK**

Candle Types

Modern candle media include soy, coconut, grapeseed, beeswax, gels, and other materials. IT was bound to happen. Whenever something’s successful, artisans want to put their own spin on it, including me.

Pillar Candles

Pillar candles come in a variety of sizes. Larger ones make for dynamic centerpieces. They typically burn for a long time, which makes them popular for rituals and seasonal celebrations.

Container Candles

Vessels create safer and tidier options. The containers may be plain or decorative, and many of these candles are scented.

Taper Candles

Elegance at its best. Tapers have a timeless appeal, be it over dinner or at a wedding. They come in different heights to suit the occasion. For example, you want small ones if you’re placing them mid-table and still want to have conversations.

Tea Light Candles

These are the small and mighty designs among candles. You can set them up in patterns. Dot a room with them and add fragrance oils. You want ambiance? Tea lights are your friend.

Votives

Similar to tea lights but with longer burn times.

And There’s More! Specialty Candles

Now comes the fun part. Making choices. Modern candlemakers have moved the art forward with all manner of clever creations, one of which will be perfect for your use :

Birthday Candles

Chime Candles

Floating Candles

Sculptural Candles

Novelty / Theme Candles

Wood wick candles

Lighting the Way

The emotional significance of candlelight is evident. They glow in celebration, glimmer in remembrance, quietly flicker during prayers and affirmations… candlelight reminds us to stop, dream, and remain present in the moment. We may not need the light as much as we need what it represents at that moment.