Candles have always had a distinctive place in our society, and as such they represent an incredible link that taps into our past. In a quite unique way, candles radiate messages of romance, passion, security, warmth, hope, spirituality, mystery, to name just a few. Candles indeed are a burning example that the whole is more than sum of its parts – be they just a little wax and wick as they are. Deeply rooted in almost every religious and spiritual practice, creed and nationality, there is something peculiar and symbolic in a solitary flame and the aura of light surrounding it. It communicates with our souls. It speaks beyond words. It is the Unspeakable that dwells in the midst of the candle flame. It enlightens, enlivens, inspires, whispers secrets, comforts and ultimately connects. No matter how thick the darkness, the light of one candle conquers it. No matter how solitary one flame is, it is never alone or lonely for its light knows no boundaries and touches eternity. People of all faiths and walks of life, and many different creeds, have been joining together in a candlelight vigil to grieve, pray or celebrate. Candles are an integral part of our identities, they have been playing an important role in both our collective and individual consciousness.
Although we are living in modern times of technical revolution, blessed by the miracle of electrical lighting for a century, very few of us haven’t had contact with candles. From the very first blazing encounters on a birthday cake, where candles are introduced as a magical agents which help our wishes came true, to every possible ritual and practice of social initiation, rite of passage or pleasure lubricant, candle flame has been our constant companion. Our initial enchantment with birthday candles is precursor to our belief that magic and candles naturally go together. Symbolism of birthday candles is not the only candle symbolism we are exposed to from the earliest days. No matter what religion we are born into, there are sanctuaries and special places to light a candle for health, protection, blessing and loving memory of departed ones. Candles are believed to connect people with divine, and with the deceased. They send our message beyond the boundaries of the visible and material world. In a candle light, the material world and the world of the Spirit are met.
In our everyday lives, candles are preferable catalyst for special moments, no matter if we need a lovely, romantic supper where candle light is a must, a “relaxing” aromatic candle bath, or just a warmth, both physical and spiritual to look at on a frosty winter night. The popularity of candles has skyrocketed in our modern world of electric lighting. Now there are even more colors, improved production methods and much more pleasant and exotic scents than our ancestors could ever have imagined. Due to the popularity of aromatherapy, essential oils candles are also more widely available for home use. Don’t think twice. Think candle.
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FAQs
Scented candles have existed for centuries, dating back to ancient times when the Egyptians first created them using beeswax. However, in the 18th and 19th centuries, scented candles began to take the technological leap.
What are symbolic meanings of candles? ›
In a quite unique way, candles radiate messages of romance, passion, security, warmth, hope, spirituality, mystery, to name just a few. Candles indeed are a burning example that the whole is more than sum of its parts – be they just a little wax and wick as they are.
What is the history of candles in spirituality? ›
Candles and religion
A Christian academic in the 2nd century described candles as a representation of “Christ, the Uncreated, and Eternal Light”. In Judaism, they're used as symbols of rest and peace around religious festivals, and in Buddhism they're used to show respect and signify change.
What do the candles symbolize in debut? ›
A debutante's eighteen candles are meant to symbolize her road to a bright future. Each candle is meant to represent sagely wisdom coming from the debutante's closest friends and relatives.
What do scented candles represent? ›
Lit candles throughout the ages were considered symbols of romance, love and passion. Add aphrodisiac scents - vanilla, jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, sandalwood or patchouli - and your significant other will look at you with different eyes.
What is the psychology of scented candles? ›
They create a soothing atmosphere and help boost your mood, while also calming your mind and relieving stress. Some fragrances might also evoke destinations or travel experiences, like strolling among cherry blossoms in Japan or the combination of sweet citrus and salty air in the Mediterranean.
What do candles symbolize spiritually? ›
Candles represent the inner journey, the path to self-discovery, and the healing of the soul.
What do the 7 candles stand for? ›
The seven lamps allude to the branches of human knowledge, represented by the six lamps inclined inwards towards, and symbolically guided by, the light of God represented by the central lamp. The menorah also symbolizes the creation in seven days, with the center light representing the Sabbath.
What do all 4 candles represent? ›
What do the four candles of Advent symbolize? The four candles of Advent represent the four Sundays of Advent, and they respectively symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love.
What do candles symbolize in Christianity? ›
In Christianity the candle is commonly used in worship both for decoration and ambiance, and as a symbol that represents the light of God or, specifically, the light of Christ. The altar candle is often placed on the altar, usually in pairs.
Candles were first mentioned in Biblical times, as early as the tenth century BCE. These early candles were made of wicks stuck into containers filled with a flammable material. The first dipped candles were made by the Romans from rendered animal fat called tallow.
What do candles stand for? ›
CANDLES is an acronym for Children of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly Lab Experiments Survivors. CANDLES, Inc.
What did the candle symbolize? ›
The candle symbolizes light in the darkness of life especially individual life, illlumination; it is the symbol of holy illumination of the spirit of truth.
What is the history of scented candles? ›
Scented candles have been around a long time - nearly as long as candles themselves which are believed to date back to 500 BC. Candles were a necessity before the invention of electric light, but were often made from animal fat which didn't smell great!
What are some fun facts about candles? ›
interesting facts about candles that you didn't know
- A candle should not product smoke while burning. ...
- Freezing candles doesn't make them last longer. ...
- Candles have been made from fish, cows and whales.. ...
- Candles were already around in 500 B.C... Crazy that candles have been enjoyed by humans for so long.
Choosing cleaner-burning candle options like soy or beeswax can help reduce soot emissions. / ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT - Many standard scented candles are made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. The production and burning of paraffin wax candles contribute to carbon emissions and environmental pollution.
What is special about scented candles? ›
They can help improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. Whether you're looking to create a relaxing atmosphere in your home, manage stress and anxiety, or improve your sleep, scented candles can be a valuable tool for promoting mental health and well-being.
What is the science behind candle scents? ›
The aroma from a lighted scented candle is released through the evaporation of the fragrance from the hot wax pool and from the solid candle itself. Like unscented candles, properly-formulated scented candles will primarily produce water vapor and carbon dioxide when burned.
