02 Mar Candlelight Through the Ages: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Luxury
Before electricity brightened our nights, there was candlelight—a flickering, warm glow that has danced through centuries of human history. From sacred rituals to royal banquets, and now as a touch of modern luxury, candles have been more than just a source of light. They have been symbols of celebration, romance, and even mystery.
Long before the first crafted candles, our ancestors were captivated by fire. Early humans, living as hunter-gatherers, huddled around flickering flames, seeking warmth, protection, and a sense of community. Fire was more than survival—it was storytelling, connection, and a source of comfort in the unknown. The mesmerizing dance of fire’s glow was our first form of artificial light, a precursor to the candle’s intimate glow. As humans evolved, so did our ways of capturing fire’s magic, leading to the development of torches, oil lamps, and eventually, the candle.
The journey of the candle starts thousands of years ago. Ancient Egyptians dipped reeds in melted animal fat to create primitive torches. The Romans refined the craft, introducing wicks made of rolled papyrus and using beeswax for a cleaner, more elegant burn. In China, candles were crafted from whale fat, while in Japan, they used tree nut wax. Each civilisation left its own mark on the evolution of candle-making, shaping what we now know as the classic candle.
The earliest known candles were found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, proving that even in the afterlife, a little ambiance was a must!
In medieval Europe, candlelight took on religious significance, glowing in cathedrals and monasteries, marking moments of prayer and contemplation. Tallow candles, made from animal fat, were the most common but had a rather unpleasant smell. The wealthier classes, however, indulged in beeswax candles, which burned cleaner and carried a faint, sweet scent—perhaps an early hint of candles as a luxury item.
King Louis XIV, known for his extravagant tastes, filled the grand halls of Versailles with thousands of candles during royal festivities. It’s safe to say he took mood lighting to the next level!
Fast forward to the grand palaces of the 18th century, where chandeliers dripped with candlelight, illuminating lavish balls and decadent feasts. Candles were not just practical; they were a status symbol. The more candles, the grander the occasion. Perfumed candles made their way into aristocratic homes, blending the pleasure of light with fragrance.
During the 19th century, whale oil was one of the most prized ingredients for candle-making, but it was so expensive that only the wealthy could afford it. Luckily, stearin, a plant-based alternative, soon became popular.
With the arrival of electricity, the practical need for candles dwindled, but their charm never faded. Today, candles symbolize relaxation, intimacy, and even self-care. A single flame can transform a room, casting a warm ambiance that feels both timeless and personal. The modern candle industry has embraced this, offering everything from hand-poured artisan creations to high-end scented candles infused with exotic oils and rare botanicals.
Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France before the revolution, was known for her love of luxury and indulgence. She surrounded herself with extravagant decor, including the finest candles made from beeswax. Her lavish candlelit gatherings at the Palace of Versailles showcased the opulence of the time, where light was as much about grandeur as it was about illumination.
As we light a candle today, whether to unwind after a long day or to celebrate a special moment, we are part of an ancient tradition. Candlelight, in all its simplicity, connects us to history, to ceremony, and to the simple joy of watching a tiny flame dance in the dark—just as it has for centuries and just as it will for generations to come.
Ayca Paksoy-Sozen
Penny Candles
