The reason why I choose to do my value fiction study on a candle was because, the invention of a candle goes way back in time, which made me wonder what was used before it. And, in my opinion, a candle has 2 sides; it not only provides functional value like most other products in everyday life but in fact, it has restored a sentimental and symbolic side to its form and nature over time.
Since the world began, people used the sun as their main source of light. But, in
70,000BC, a hollow rock or shell or other natural found objects were filled with moss or a similar material that was soaked in animal fat and then ignited. By 4500 BC, oil lamps were being used which was followed by the invention of the candle in 3000 BC.
Ancient words that translated into candle to meant “Torch” or “Lamp”. When man first discovered how to use fire to cook with, he began to notice that the fat dripping into the fire caused it to burn brighter. With a little deductive reasoning man probably realized that he could use this animal fat to light his dwelling. The first ‘candles’ were nothing more than flaming lumps of animal fat.
Initially, candles were made from Tallow. Tallow is the solid fat extracted from animals like cattle or sheep. Remains of candles were said to be first, found in excavations in Greece and Egypt around 3000 B.C. It was not until the emergence of the Roman Empire that scientists began to see evidence of the development of candles. The Romans used candles not only to light their homes and to facilitate traveling at night, but also for their religious practices.
Their method was simply to heat the tallow until it liquified. Next the tallow was poured over a wick material, which was suspended from a horizontal rod. As it was poured, the chandler would use his hands to smooth the cooling tallow. A trough underneath the suspended candles would catch the excess and would then be returned to the melting pot.
The practice of using molds to make candles began in the 15th century in France. The wax was poured into hollow open-ended cylinders. These cylinders had a cap with a small hole in the center for the wick. The wick was then placed in the mold and held in place by small wires. Once the mold was filled the wicks were pulled taunt and the wax left to cool. And the wires were removed.A true chandler would bleach his candles by hanging them outside. Although he would protect the candles from the sun and the elements, he would keep them outside for eight to ten days.
In the 1820’s braided wicks were being used along with stearic acid. This chemical is a by-product of fat and was blended into the wax to harden it. This created candles that burned longer. During this time period Spermaceti was also being used in making candles. Spermaceti is a solid waxy substance taken from the head of the sperm whale.
By the mid 19th century the Industrial Revolution had transformed the way candles were made. Paraffin had begun to replace the venerable Tallow. However, handmade candles were still in demand. Especially candles made for religious activities. Many of these had to be custom-made. Today, most candles are machine made by a molding process.
A candle is used in many different cultures in various forms and for several purposes. It is also used in the religious ceremonies of many different faiths. For instance, in Buddhism candles are placed before Buddhist shrines or images of the Buddha as a show of respect. The light of the candle represents the light of the Buddha’s teachings. In Hinduism, candles are replaced by a modified source of light called ‘Diya’. A Diya is considered a symbol of prosperity and enlightenment and is mandatory at any Hindu religious occasion. Similarly, in Christianity the candle is commonly used in worship both for decoration and ambiance, and as symbols that represent the light of God or, specifically, the light of Christ. It was traditionally used to light up Christmas trees before the advent of electric lights. They are still commonly used to decorate Christmas trees in Denmark and other European countries. In Judaism, the candle is traditionally lit on Friday evenings. The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by lighting a candle. The Jews also use a candle on a death anniversary in honor of remembering a deceased loved one. As for Humanism, the candle has become a symbol of the light of reason or rationality.
Of course, there has been significant evolution of the candle and it is obviously the electricity that we use in modern day living. The candle was founded in early times, which makes it more interesting to explore its alternatives before and after its invention. Today candles come in various forms and colors, it has also become a prime production business, but at the end of the day it is merely a source of light which can be interpreted functionally and therapeutically and aesthetically. Its versatility allows it to create romantic, soft, warm, and vibrant ambiences.
Sources:
1) www.wikipedia.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_lighting_technology
2) Book: The Chemical History of a Candle: by Michael Faraday.
Publisher: Dover Publications Inc.; Dover Ed edition (28 Mar 2003)
Corresponding website: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1860Faraday-candle.html
3) www.ms.essortment.com
http://ms.essortment.com/candlemakinghi_rrxg.htm
4)www.gettyimages.com
5) Book Name: The New Candle Book
Author: Gloria Nicol
Publisher: Acropolis Books
6) Book: Encyclopedia of crafts / by Laura Torbet, editor.
New York : Scribner, 1980.
