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If you’re a lover of scented candles, from the mesmerizing glow to the beautiful scents, you may be curious about the deep and rich history they have. From ancient rituals to modern self-care, scented candles have played an important role in people’s lives.
In this post, we’ll uncover the origins of scented candles and how they have changed and evolved throughout the years.
When thinking about scented candles, you have to go back several thousand years. In fact, you can trace the origins of scented candles as far back as 3000 BC. Egyptians crafted rudimentary candles with beeswax, which was readily available and naturally fragrant. To light the candle, Egyptians used plant reeds instead of wicks. These reeds were soaked in molten animal fat to light.
Scented candles played a significant role in Egyptian religious ceremonies. It was believed that the flickering flame of candles carried prayers and offerings to the heavens. The fragrant smoke was believed to create an ambiance of mystery.
Outside of their sacred uses, scented candles were available in everyday life. In marketplaces throughout ancient Egypt, vendors sold candles infused with exotic spices and resins. These candles were promised to ward off evil spirits, bring good fortune, or just improve one’s home.
Egyptians weren’t the only ancient civilization to start using scented candles. In the fertile plains of Mesopotamia, similar practices were occurring. Similar to Egypt, these candles were some of the earliest ever made.
They were filled with liquid fats or oils and made with makeshift wicks made from papyrus fibers or reeds. From religious purposes to typical use, these candles served as the early beginnings of what would later become the modern scented candles we use today.
As history progressed, scented candles became less of a luxury. Practicality took over and candles were used more for illumination than religious ceremony or ambiance. However, the Renaissance era brought in a new appreciation for finer things in life, which included scented candles.
As trade routes expanded and exotic items reached European markets, perfumers and candle-makers experimented with new scents. This time also brought about advancements in candles through spermaceti. Candles made with spermaceti burned brighter and released less smoke.
The advancements of candles changed them to be used for things far more than just illumination. Candles were used for timekeeping, signaling, and even decoration.
As the New World became explored, scented candles were further developed. Vanilla became a heavily sought-after ingredient for both perfumes and candles. Tonka bean, native to South America, added a spicy note to candle fragrances. And citrus fruits, such as oranges, gave a bright, cheerful appeal to candles.
From the Renaissance to the discovery of the New World, the candle industry underwent a variety of changes. What was once a luxury item exclusively for the wealthy became more accessible.
As the world became more connected and resources shared more widely, scented candles benefitted from sweeping changes. From the wax that was used to the different types of scents and wick designs, candles made leaps and bonuses in design and technology.
This period brought a whirlwind of change when it came to scented candles. Due to the Industrial Revolution, candle-making reached production on a mass scale. This meant that scented candles became available to anyone.
Perhaps one of the most significant innovations was the continued use of spermaceti, the waxy substance from sperm whales. While this originated in the past, the mass production of candles made these types much more accessible. These candles also had a subtle, sweeter scent compared to the odor that came from animal fat candles.
However, the 19th century also saw a move away from animal-based waxes entirely. People started to move towards plant-based alternatives. In the early 1800s, a French chemist named Michel Eugène Chevreul discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fats, leading to the development of stearin wax.
Stearin wax was harder, burned cleanly and it became a popular choice for candle-making. Around this same time, paraffin wax, which was a byproduct of refining petroleum, also became available as a cheaper and more readability available alternative to spermaceti and stearin candles.
While wax production advancements were happening, the 19th century led to the development of various candle-making techniques. The candle mold machine in 1834 revolutionized the industry and allowed candles to be mass-produced in different shapes and sizes. This made candles even more accessible than before.
With an increase in affordability and a variety of candles to choose from, scented candles became more popular. Instead of being an item just for special occasions, they became an everyday household item.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and the scented candle industry exploded with creativity. The rise of synthetic fragrances, coupled with advancements in aromatherapy, led to an unprecedented array of scents and fragrance combinations.
No longer confined to traditional florals and spices, candle makers began experimenting with everything from gourmand notes like vanilla and caramel to fresh, ozonic scents reminiscent of the sea.
The use of essential oils in scented candles also gained traction, with proponents touting their potential therapeutic benefits. Lavender for relaxation, peppermint for invigoration, and eucalyptus for clearing the sinuses – these and countless other essential oils found their way into candles, transforming them into multi-sensory experiences that could enhance well-being.
But the 20th century wasn't without its challenges for the scented candle industry. Concerns about the environmental impact of paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct, began to emerge. This led to a growing interest in sustainable alternatives, such as soy wax, beeswax, and coconut wax. These natural waxes are not only more eco-friendly, but they also offer a cleaner burn and can hold a higher concentration of fragrance oils.
Today, the scented candle market is more diverse and dynamic than ever before. From luxury brands offering bespoke fragrances to artisanal candle makers crafting unique blends, there's something for every nose and every budget.
With the rise of e-commerce and social media, it's easier than ever to discover new brands and experiment with different scents.
Moreover, scented candles have transcended their utilitarian origins to become symbols of self-care and indulgence.
Whether you're unwinding after a long day with a soothing lavender candle or setting the mood for a romantic evening with a seductive musk scent, these flickering flames continue to captivate our senses and enrich our lives.
From their humble beginnings as simple beeswax torches in ancient Egypt to the complex and nuanced fragrances we enjoy today, scented candles have come a long way. They've been used in sacred rituals, to mark special occasions, to enhance everyday life, and even to promote well-being.
Throughout history, they've been a source of light, comfort, and delight, their flickering flames and evocative scents weaving a tapestry of human experience.
So, the next time you light a scented candle, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this seemingly simple object. Inhale the fragrance, savor the ambiance, and let your imagination transport you back through the ages.
From the grand temples of ancient Egypt to the bustling marketplaces of the Renaissance, to the cozy homes of today, scented candles have been a constant companion, enriching our lives in countless ways.
Their enduring appeal is a testament to the power of fragrance to evoke memories, emotions, and a sense of wonder. Truly, the history of scented candles is a fragrant journey through time, one that continues to evolve and captivate us with each new flicker of light and whisper of scent.