Did you know candles have been lighting up lives for over 5,000 years? The earliest known candles were used by the ancient Egyptians, made from reeds soaked in melted animal fat. Talk about a glow-up—thank goodness for soy wax!
In Ancient Rome, candles were made from tallow and used to help people find their way home after dark. Fast-forward to the Middle Ages, beeswax candles became the luxury go-to—cleaner burning and oh-so-sweet smelling, they were reserved for the church and the wealthy.
The world’s largest candle was over 24 meters tall—that’s taller than a 7-story building!
Blowing out birthday candles comes from ancient Greece, where people lit candles to send smoke-filled prayers up to the heavens.
Studies show candlelight can actually help you relax and reduce stress—so that calm feeling you get? It’s science.
From prayers to cozy nights in, candles have always been a part of human history. Today, they’re not just about light—they’re about creating mood, meaning, and a little bit of glamour.
Candles Around the World
In China, early candles were made from rolled rice paper and wax derived from insects and seeds. Meanwhile in Japan, candles came from tree nuts! Cultures everywhere found beautiful ways to bring light into their homes.
Back in medieval times, people used candles as clocks! Each candle was marked with evenly spaced lines, and as the wax melted down, you could tell how much time had passed. Imagine telling someone, “I’ll be there in two inches!”
Scented candles aren’t just a modern luxury. Ancient civilizations—like the Indians and Chinese—added herbs and scents to candles as part of spiritual rituals. They believed fragrances could connect them to the divine and create balance in the body and mind.
The tradition of placing candles on birthday cakes started in Germany, where people celebrated “Kinderfest” and lit candles to symbolize the “light of life.” Many believed the smoke from the candle carried your wishes up to the heavens.
