The candle was first invented by Ancient Egyptians before the 4th Century. They burnt animal fat to absorb the reeds in it and get light from it. These candles had no wick, as the first wicked candle was invented in 3,000 BCE by the Romans. This was made from rolled papyrus dipped in melted tallow.
In the Middle Ages, beeswax candles were introduced to Europe. This new form of candle burned pure and clear without producing a smokey flame. Furthermore, they were sweeter smelling than those made from tallow.
Candles were used as the main light source at night and also used to celebrate religious ceremonies.
In the current age, candles come in many styles, sizes, colours and smells. In addition, they have became a symbol of romance and decoration.
Here is a recipie on how we could make a simple candle from beeswax:
- Parafin wax beads and beeswax
- moulds
- wick
- dye disks
- a double boiler
- Melt the wax in double boiler
- Break up dye disks and add them to the wax
- Thread the wick through the mould
- Tip the melted wax into the mould
- After 4 to 5 hours remove the candle from the mould
Channel 4 (2012) How To Make Candles. Available at: http://www.channel4.com/4homes/how-to/craft/how-to-make-candles (Accessed: 4th February 2012)
Devlyn Candles (2011) Candle Origin. Available at: http://www.devlyncandles.com/page/4428 (Accessed: 4th February 2012)
History Of Candles (2009) Available at: http://www.candlecomfort.com/historyofcandles.html (Accessed: 4th February 2012)
Sophie Brown
What is papyrus??
ReplyDeleteGillian
A natural wick we could use at Seeley Copse is the pith of elder. Elder tree (the same thing we get elderflowers and elderberries from to make wine) has a really significant pith section in the middle of the stem - the same proportion as the hole in a polo. Get a short length of stem, poke out the pith with a skewer, then dry the pith. They say (but i haven't tried it) that you then soak it in lamp oil, light one end and get a natural oil lamp! Definitely worth a try
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