Candles have been used for lighting and other purposes for thousands of years. The earliest known candles were made from tallow, a type of animal fat, and were used in ancient Egypt and Rome.
The ancient Egyptians used rushlights, which were made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in molten tallow or beeswax. They also used candles made from beeswax, which were reserved for religious ceremonies and the wealthy elite.
In ancient Rome, candles made from tallow were used to light homes and streets. The wick was often made from hemp or flax, and the candles were placed in clay or stone holders.
During the Middle Ages, beeswax candles became more widely available, and were often used in churches and for religious ceremonies. The process of making candles improved during this time as well, with the use of molds and better wick materials.
In the 19th century, the invention of the stearin candle, made from stearic acid, made candles burn brighter and longer. Paraffin wax, which was derived from petroleum, was also introduced in the 19th century and became a popular material for making candles.
Today, candles are used for a variety of purposes, including decoration, aromatherapy, and religious ceremonies. There are many different types of candles available, including traditional wax candles, soy candles, beeswax candles, and even LED candles.
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