Have you noticed how many candles are on display in just about every store you visit these days? Not so long ago buying candles involved a “search and find” mission. Then when you finally ran them to earth the choice was very limited.
Nowadays stores devote whole sections to candle display and indeed there are shops selling nothing but candles. So what has suddenly fuelled the desire to buy huge quantities of candles?
Candles have been used since the earliest of times. The first form of candle being very crude, and used for the single purpose of providing light. Right up until the early 1900s when electricity was discovered candles were still the main source of artificial light. They were also an early form of time keeping, with the candle burning evenly, they could be marked off in hourly sections.
The best candles were made from beeswax, however, since this was a limited and expensive commodity these candles would only be used by the clergy and the wealthy. A common form of candle used by the poor was made from tallow or mutton fat, these tended to give off black smoke as well as being very smelly.
Modern candles are likely to be made of paraffin, beeswax, bead wax and stearin. Stearin is a substance made from stearic acid, and although this sounds scary, it is harmless and nearly always used in conjunction with other waxes.
Modern candles contain hardeners, which increase burning time and stop the candle from sagging. New technology in manufacturing means we have far more choice in design and colour. However, you can still make candles using traditional methods and making candles for yourself or others is a rewarding, popular hobby.
Interest in essential oils and aromatherapy has driven the demand for scented candles and these are now available in just about every scent you can imagine. Perhaps because of their soothing and hypnotic effect, we tend to associate candles with peace and tranquility, something most of us crave at some time or other. Candles can also help turn an ordinary event such as a bath or a dinner party into something special and it is this magical quality that keeps us coming back for more.
Candles have long been associated with religious ceremony, which may have helped to reinforce the belief that they are somehow imbued with mystical powers. Certainly, one can’t help but be a little overawed by the tall beautiful candles used in churches or houses of worship. Although these tall candles can be purchased at a price, the smaller versions referred to as church candles remain very popular with consumers.
Floating candles are extremely popular at present, these are generally small and displayed in shallow dishes of water. On a still night they are very effective floating in ornamental garden ponds or in the swimming pool.
Some candles are veritable works of art, purchased for their beauty. Their owners having no intention of ever lighting them. Candle artists can often be seen demonstrating their skills at shopping malls and markets. They are a delight to watch and the intricate designs they produce are truly amazing.
Of course not all candles are produced to look beautiful, some; the anti- mosquito candles for example are extremely practical. These candles are impregnated with citronella and are designed to ward off insects and mosquitoes. They are very effective, but it is advised to use them in a well ventilated area, since the scent is usually fairly strong.
Naturally, candles’ being a naked flame means an increased risk of fire. Care should always be used when burning candles of any sort. For outside areas such as barbecues for instance, candles in enclosed containers are a great idea. Awareness of fire risk has encouraged manufacturers of candles to come up with softer options, so the risk of fire is minimized.
Fads and fashions come and go but somehow, now that we’ve rediscovered candles it seems unlikely that it will be a short-term thing. If a little flame can bring joy, inspire hope and make us feel good, then long may candles light up our lives.
Trish is an author and life coach specializing in health, wellness and relationships. For a better understanding of health, wellness and life-style, visit her web site at http://wellbeing-information.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trish_Powell
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