The History of Candles: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Home Essentials

Lighting the Path: A Look Back in Time

Ancient Civilizations and the First Candles 

The story of candles stretches back more than 5,000 years. Before electricity lit our homes, people turned to fire not just for light but for safety, ceremony and connection. In ancient Egypt, early torches were made by soaking reeds in animal fat. Thought not quite candles by today's definition, these were humanity's first step towards a portable flame. 

In ancient China and Japan, candles were made from natural materials like wax derived from seeds or insects - while in India - people crafted temple lights from boiled cinnamon wax. The Romans introduced something closer to the modern candle by dipping rolled papyrus in tallow or beeswax, creating a more functional, longer-burning light source. These early designs weren't just practical tools, they often had ceremonial or spiritual meaning as well. 

Whether used to light homes, temples, or pathways, candles quickly became part of everyday life across cultures. Each flame told a story, offering warmth, protection, and in many cases, a sense of the divine. 

Candles in Religious and Spiritual Rituals

From the beginning, candles were more than a source of light. They became symbols of presence, reverence, and the sacred. Across countless traditions, lighting a candle meant more than dispelling darkness - it signaled intention, remembrance, or connection to something greater. 

In Judaism, candles play a central role in ritual observance. During Hanukkah, the nightly lighting of the menorah marks resilience and faith, while weekly Shabbat candles signify rest and reflection. In Christian practices, candles illuminate churches, altars, and sacred ceremonies. Each flame represents prayer, devotion and the enduring presence of spirit. 

Eastern traditions have long used candlelight in meditation and ceremony. In Buddhist and Hindu temples, candles are offered to deities, ancestors or as a sign of clarity and inner peace. That quiet flicker helps guide the mind inward, creating space for contemplation. 

Even today, many of us light candles during personal moments - for healing, remembrance, or simply to be still. It's a timeless ritual that connects us across centuries and cultures. 

From Function to Symbol: The Cultural Role of Candles 

As the centuries passed, candles took on deeper roles within daily life. Beyond lighting the way, they became markers of time, celebration and transformation. In earlier eras, the slow, steady burn of a candle was even used to measure the passing of hours. 

During long winters, candles brought comfort and hope. Seasonal festivals like Diwali, Candlemas, and Yule incorporated candlelight as a symbol of renewal and returning warmth. In medieval Europe, candles were part of both religious and royal life. Beeswax, in particular, was so prized for its clean burn that it was reserved for the wealthy or the sacred. 

Eventually, candles also found their place in the everyday rituals of ordinary people. They were lit for births, deaths, wishes and prayers. Even now, candles remain a simple yet powerful way to celebrate, mourn, and connect. That single, steady flame continues to speak a universal language - one of presence and intention. 

The Evolution of Candle Making

Tallow and Early Materials 

As candle use spread throughout the ancient world, so did the craft of candle making. In Europe during the Middle Ages, candles were often made from tallow, a rendered form of animal fat. Tallow was widely available and inexpensive, making it the go-to material for most households. However, the downside was significant - tallow candles smoked heavily, gave off an unpleasant odor, and burned quickly. 

Despite these drawbacks, they were a lifeline for common people in dark, unlit villages and homes. Tallow candles were poured into molds or hand-dipped repeatedly over wicks until they formed thick enough tapers to use. This process required patience and precision, especially before molds were widely available. Candle makers, or chandlers, became essential tradespeople in medieval towns, often setting up shops near butchers who supplied the fat. 

This era of candle making may have lacked the elegance of modern craftsmanship, but it laid the groundwork for a skill passed down through generations - a humble but essential artform rooted in necessity. 

The Rise of Beeswax: A Cleaner Alternative

While tallow candles were accessible, beeswax candles offered a vastly different experience. Cleaner-burning, long-lasting, and naturally aromatic, beeswax became the preferred choice for churches, royalty and the elite. The gentle honeyed scent and bright, steady flame made them ideal for sacred spaces and formal ceremonies. 

In many ways, beeswax candles were the first "luxury" candles. Their expense and rarity elevated them beyond simple utility. Churches across Europe relied on beeswax candles to illuminate altars and cathedrals, with monasteries often keeping their own apiaries to ensure a steady supply. Beeswax was not just cleaner - it was revered. 

That reverence continues today. At Sunbeam Candles, we honor this rich history with our large collection of beeswax pillars, tapers, aromatherapy and sculpted candles all handcrafted with 100% pure domestic beeswax all handcrafted with intention and care. 

Colonial America and Handmade Candle Craft 

As settlers arrived in North America, they brought candle-making traditions with them, adapting to local resources. In coastal areas, some colonists made candles by boiling bayberries, which yielded a lovely clean-burning wax with a light herbal scent. However, bayberry wax was extremely labor-intensive - it took about 15 pounds of berries to produce a single candle! 

More commonly, colonial families relied on beeswax or tallow, crafting candles at home during the fall, just before winter's darkness settled in. It was a seasonal ritual: a rhythm of harvest, preparation, and creating light from the natural world. Women and children would dip wicks again and again, letting the layers cool before repeating the process. 

This tradition of hands-on, seasonal candle making resonates deeply with us at Sunbeam Candles. Our work today reflects the same commitment to the craft, using timeless techniques that honor the past while aligning with modern ethics and eco-conscious values. 

Wax Through the Ages

Why Beeswax Stood the Test of Time

Some materials simply endure - and beeswax is one of them. Revered for centuries, it remains a favorite for good reason. Beeswax is renewable, non-toxic, and incredibly long-burning. 

Unlike petroleum-based waxes, beeswax doesn't require chemical processing. It comes from nature, just as it is - a beautiful byproduct of the bee's work in pollinating our planet. This makes it one of the most sustainable candle materials available, and one we're proud to use in our candles. 

From beeswax pillars candles to tapers and votives, this ancient wax continues to be a perfect match for those focused on conscious living today. 

The Downside of Paraffin Wax

In the mid-1800's, the discovery of paraffin wax changed the candle industry dramatically. Extracted from petroleum, paraffin was cheap, easy to produce, and offered a clean-looking burn. It quickly replaced traditional waxes in mass production, making candles more widely available. 

But paraffin came at a hidden cost. It's a byproduct of the oil refining process, and when burned, it can release toxins like benzene and toluene in the air. While many commercial candles still use paraffin, growing awareness around its health and environmental impacts has led many conscious consumers to seek safer alternatives. 

At Sunbeam Candles, we never use paraffin wax. Our commitment to health, sustainability, and transparency means choosing materials that support your well-being - and the planet's. 

Today's Return to Natural Wax Blends

In recent years, we've seen a welcome return to natural wax blends like beeswax, soy, and coconut wax. These materials are biodegradable, renewable, and often support small farmers and ethical supply chains. More importantly, they allow candle makers to create beautiful, high-quality products without compromising on health or values. 

We choose ingredients like pure essential oils, locally sourced beeswax, and other natural plant-based waxes that support clean air, a healthy home environment, and ethical sourcing from the ground up. 

Candles in Modern Daily Life 

More Than Light: Ambiance, Scent, and Self-Care

While candles once served a purely practical purpose, their role today is more emotional, sensory, and personal. In a fast-paced world filled with screens and stress, lighting a candle offers a moment to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect. It's no longer just about illumination - it's about atmosphere, ritual and wellness. 

The scent of a candle can calm nerves, energize the mind, or bring up a sense of grounding. Our aromatherapy pillar candles are crafted with 100% pure essential oils, never synthetic fragrances. Whether it's lavender for relaxation, eucalyptus for clarity, or cedarwood for grounding and balance, each blend is selected to support emotional and physical well-being. And because we use natural plant-based waxes like beeswax and soy, they burn cleanly - no soot, no toxins, just simple comfort. 

Lighting a candle can be a part of a morning routine, a mindful pause during the workday, or the quiet close of an evening. In these small rituals, candles become a tool for self-care - a gentle, glowing invitation to come back to yourself. 

Candles in Seasonal and Holiday Traditions

The presence of candlelight during seasonal celebrations is something deeply human. Whether it's candles for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or a soft-glowing Mother's Day or Birthday gift candle, the flame connects us to tradition, memory and the rhythms of nature. 

Candles help us mark time. They show up on winter solstice altars, Easter brunch tables, and fall harvest feasts. They brighten long nights and celebrate returning light. In spring, floral-scented springtime candles bring a sense of renewal, while fall candles warm the home with rich, grounding aromas. During the holidays, lighting candles for Christmas or sharing a candle subscription box with someone special becomes a gesture of care, both symbolic and sensory. 

These seasonal rituals remind us to slow down and celebrate the turning of the year. At Sunbeam Candles, we design our seasonal collections with this in mind - offering scents, sculpted shapes, and colors that reflect the spirit of each season, hand-poured with care and intention. 

A Flame Shared: Candles as Symbols of Celebration 

Candles have long played a role in marking special moments. From ancient rituals to modern traditions, lighting a candle has symbolized intention, hope, and the passing of time. Gifting a candle was often a way to share light during seasonal transitions, religious observances, or community gatherings. 

One of the most familiar examples is the birthday candle. The tradition of placing candles on cakes dates back to ancient Greece and was later shaped by German celebrations in the 1700's. If you're curious to learn more about that fascinating evolution, you can read our in-depth post on The History of Birthday Candles. 

Even today, whether shared to celebrate, honor or comfort, a single candle continues to hold quiet meaning. 

Carrying the Flame Forward

Throughout history, candles have been crafted by hand, used to honor traditions, and lit to mark life's most meaningful moments. From ancient to everyday rituals, the flame has offered warmth, guidance, and comfort - a steady presence across time. 

At Sunbeam Candles, we're proud to continue that legacy through craftmanship and intention - while also redefining how candles are made today. By choosing renewable energy, supporting fair wages, and using responsibly sourced materials, we're carrying this ancient tradition forward in a way that honors its roots and the values that continue to matter - craftsmanship, care and community. 

In a world of fast production and short-lived trends, choosing a thoughtfully made candle connects us to something deeper - a practice shaped by human hands and shared across generations. 

FAQs

1. What were the first candles made from?
   A: The earliest candles were made from materials like animal fat (tallow), beeswax, and natural oils. Ancient Egyptians used torches soaked in fat, while the Romans dipped papyrus in tallow or beeswax. In other regions, tree resins and plant-based waxes were used. 
2. Why was beeswax historically considered special? 
   A: Beeswax was highly valued because it burned cleanly, had a naturally pleasant scent, and produced a bright, steady flame. It was often reserved for religious ceremonies or the wealthy, as it was more expensive and harder to obtain than tallow. 
3. When did paraffin wax become popular? 
   A: Paraffin wax was introduced in the mid-1800s after petroleum refining became widespread. It quickly became popular due to its low cost and clean appearance, but it came with environmental and health concerns that many people are now reconsidering. 
4. Are candles still used in religious and cultural rituals today? 
   A: Absolutely. Candles remain a powerful symbol in many spiritual and cultural traditions - from lighting menorahs during Hanukkah, to altar candles in churches, to candles used in meditation, remembrance, or seasonal celebrations. 
5. How does Sunbeam Candles keep traditional candle-making alive?
   A: Sunbeam Candles continues the legacy of traditional candle-making by handcrafting each candle using time-honored techniques. We use responsibly sourced domestic beeswax and pure essential oils, operate with 100% renewable energy, and prioritize ethical, people-first practices.