When Candles Were the Main Source of Light: An Exploration into the Historical Lighting Infrastructure

Introduction

In the golden age of candles, these simple yet intricate objects served as the primary source of illumination in households and public spaces. But how much do we truly know about the infrastructure and everyday life during this period? This essay delves into the world of candle-making, candle holders, and ancillary tools, exploring whether candles were indeed the main source of light in ancient times and how other flammable liquids and lamps played a role.

Wax: A Precious Commodity in Ancient Times

The history of wax production traces back centuries, but it was not until the Middle Ages that it became a practical substitute for flax and oil lamps. Produced from beeswax, paraffin, and other sources, wax candles were not only used for lighting but also as symbols of status and wealth.

Producing candles required a significant amount of labor and resources. Beeswax production, for instance, needed large beehives, while paraffin required the refining of petroleum-based substances. The refining process was labor-intensive and often involved heating and filtering to produce a pure, flameless burning wax.

The Variety of Candles and Their Usage

Candles were not just uniform in shape and size. Instead, they came in different forms, sizes, and designs, each suited to different occasions and needs. Common types included:

These candles were used in various settings, from home lighting to religious ceremonies. In homes, candles provided warm, yellow hues that illuminated the evening. In churches and temples, they served as sacred symbols and provided light during long prayers and services.

Furniture Adapted for Candles

As candles became a standard fixture in households, specialized furniture and accessories were developed to enhance their use. Many homes of the era featured dedicated candle holders and wick trimmers. These tools were essential for keeping candles clean and efficient.

Candle holders came in a variety of designs, from simple pinch holders to ornate candelabra that enhanced the visual appeal of any room. Wick trimmers, on the other hand, allowed users to maintain the wick at the optimal length, reducing soot and prolonging the candle's life.

The Role of Ancillary Tools

Besides candle holders and wick trimmers, ancillary tools like snuffers and candelabra were crucial for modern lighting practices.

Snuffers were used to extinguish candles with a single movement, preventing the fire from spreading or the wax from dripping. This made them invaluable in households and public spaces.

Candelabra allowed for multiple candles to be lit simultaneously, increasing the light output and versatility of candle lighting. These elegant fixtures often included intricate designs such as ornamental bases, arms, and decorative finials.

Flammable Liquids and Lamps: A Complementary Source of Light

While candles provided a reliable and satisfactory level of light, they were not the only source of illumination. Flammable liquids like oils and wicked lamps were widely used in ancient times. These liquids, when combined with lamps made of materials like clay, metal, or glass, provided a more diffuse and less expensive light source.

The use of oil lamps, in particular, was widespread in the ancient world. Oil lamps could be fueled with vegetable oil, animal fat, or even whale oil, and their designs ranged from simple, earthenware containers to complex metal vessels adorned with intricate motifs. Oil lamps were also portable, facilitating lighting needs beyond the home, such as in gardens, temples, and marketplaces.

Conclusion: Multiple Sources of Light Coexisted

In conclusion, candles were not the only, or even the primary, source of light in households during ancient times. Candles coexisted with other forms of illumination, such as oil lamps and flammable liquids. The advent and refinement of candle technology, coupled with specialized furniture and ancillary tools, enhanced the use and appeal of candles. While candles became synonymous with home lighting in many households, the historical context reveals a complex interplay of lighting options that adapted to the needs and resources of different cultures and eras.