From Ancient Light to Modern Comfort
Long before candles became a symbol of cozy nights and self-care rituals, they were a practical necessity — the primary source of light for centuries. The story of candles spans cultures, continents, and thousands of years. Understanding this rich history makes us appreciate just how special they remain today.
Ancient Beginnings
The earliest known candles date back to ancient Egypt around 3000 BCE. Egyptians used torches made by soaking reeds in animal fat — not quite a candle, but the concept was born. The Romans are credited with developing the first true wick candles around 500 BCE, using tallow (rendered animal fat) and rolled papyrus wicks.
Meanwhile, in China and Japan, candles were crafted using wax from insects and tree nuts, while in India, early candles were made by boiling cinnamon bark and using the waxy residue. These regional materials highlight how deeply candle-making was tied to nature and available resources.
Medieval Europe: Function Meets Faith
During the Middle Ages, candles were essential for churches, homes, and workshops. Beeswax candles became popular among the wealthy and clergy because they burned cleaner and smelled better than smoky, foul-smelling tallow. However, due to the high cost of beeswax, most people still used tallow for everyday use.
Candles also became symbolic — used in religious ceremonies, spiritual rituals, and celebrations of light across different faiths and cultures. They brought warmth not just to homes, but to hearts.
Industrial Advancements
The 18th and 19th centuries saw major advancements in candle-making. In the 1800s, spermaceti (a wax from sperm whales) and later stearin (derived from palm oil or animal fat) provided cleaner, harder wax. The invention of the mold made candles faster and easier to produce.
By the late 1800s, however, electricity began to replace candles as the main source of light. But candles didn’t disappear — they evolved.
Modern-Day Magic
Today, candles are less about function and more about atmosphere, mood, and intention. With the rise of wellness and sustainability, there’s been a shift back to natural ingredients — soy wax, beeswax, essential oils, and eco-friendly wicks.
Candles now enhance our homes, support rituals, and even help with relaxation and meditation. We choose them not just for light, but for how they make us feel.
At Soulmate Candles, we honor this beautiful tradition by creating clean-burning, handcrafted candles made with natural wax and soothing scents. Each one is a modern expression of a timeless art — a simple, glowing reminder of warmth, intention, and history.