What Is A Wick In Old English?
A wick is a cord or bundle of twisted threads used in oil lamps and candles to draw fuel, typically melted wax or oil, into the flame through capillary action. In Old English, the word “wick” originally referred to a village or settlement, coming from the Latin word “vicus”. However, by the 17th century it had taken on its more common modern meaning referring to the material used as a wick in lamps and candles.
Wicks were an essential component of candles and oil lamps used for lighting in Anglo-Saxon England. They were typically made from common materials like cotton, flax, or rushes twisted together into cords. The wick acted as a continuous strip to bring the melted wax or oil up into the flame, allowing the fuel source to slowly burn and provide illumination. While candles and lamps evolved over time, the basic concept of the wick remained an integral part of providing portable artificial lighting.
Etymology
The word “wick” dates back to the Old English period. It comes from the Old English word “wic” or “wice”, meaning “dwelling place” or “village”.
The Online Etymology Dictionary states that the Old English “wic” comes from the Proto-Germanic “*wik-“, which is related to the Latin word “vicus” meaning “district” or “quarter”.
Over time, the meaning of “wick” evolved to refer specifically to the material used as a cord or tape in a candle or oil lamp to draw fuel to the flame (Merriam-Webster). This sense of the word dates back to the 1400s.
The name “Hampton Wick” contains this same root word. The “Wick” portion refers to the fact that it was originally a separate village or neighborhood outside of Hampton proper (Wiktionary).
Materials
In Old English times, wicks were commonly made from materials that were readily available and absorbent. Some of the most common materials used for wicks included flax, cotton, hemp, rushes, and strips of bark or wood. Flax was a particularly popular material as it was widely grown in England for use in textiles. The fibers of flax plants are very absorbent and make excellent wicking material. Cotton was also used, though it had to be imported and was more expensive. Other plant fibers like hemp or rushes could be locally sourced and twisted into sturdy wicks. Strips of bark peeled from birch or other trees, or soft wood shavings, also worked well to draw up fuel oils via capillary action. Wicks were typically braided or twisted from multiple strands of fiber to create a thick, tightly bound material that could withstand repeated burning without fraying. The choice of wick material depended on availability as well as the type of lamp or candle being used.
Purpose
In Old English times, wicks served an important purpose in providing light and heat. Wicks were a crucial component of candles and oil lamps, which were the primary means of lighting homes before electricity. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the Old English word “wēoce” referred specifically to the flax or rush bundle used as a wick in lamps and candles (Source).
Wicks worked by capillary action, drawing up liquid fuel to the flame. They consisted of materials like cotton, flax, or rushes that could “wick up” melted wax or oil. Wicks had to be thin enough to catch fire easily from an external flame, yet thick enough to not burn up too quickly. Properly constructed wicks were essential for lamps and candles to burn slowly and steadily, providing ongoing illumination.
In the dark interior of homes and buildings, candles and lamps with wicks offered precious light by which to work, socialize, and complete daily tasks after sunset. Wicks thus served a vital everyday function before modern electric lighting.
Wick Holders
Wicks were commonly held in containers or holders to keep them upright and stable while burning. These holders were made from various materials like brass, iron, ceramic, glass, and stoneware (https://www.etsy.com/market/brass_wick_holders).
Brass was a popular material for wick holders due to its durability and decorative appeal. Intricately designed brass holders were used for ceremonial purposes like in churches and temples. Simpler designs made from pressed brass or wire were used in household oil lamps and candles (https://www.holycross.org/products/old-rite-wick-holder).
Ceramic and stoneware wick holders were also common. These were often plain and functional in design, made to securely hold the wick upright in lamps. Terracotta and earthenware were affordable options for household use.
Wick holders evolved over time along with lamp designs. Some wick holders were elaborate creations, incorporating chimneys, reservoirs, and adjustable knobs. This allowed better control over the flame while also catching any excess fuel drippings.
Wick Trimming
Proper wick maintenance was an important part of candle usage in Old English times. As a candle burned, the wick would become uneven and form a mushroom shape at the tip from the melted wax. This uneven tip caused the flame to flicker and smoke, producing less light. To maintain a bright, steady flame, candle wicks had to be trimmed regularly1.
Special scissors-like tools called wick trimmers or snippers were used to trim the wick. These consisted of two small blades that cut the wick down to an even length2. Depending on the quality of the candle and wick, trimming had to be done as often as every 5-20 minutes. It was common practice to keep a wick trimmer next to the candle to allow for easy access and maintenance. Proper wick trimming was essential for optimal candle performance.
Importance
Wicks were an essential component of daily life in Old English times. Candles and oil lamps, both of which used wicks to draw up fuel to the flame, provided the primary means of illumination after sundown. According to the Etymology Dictionary, the Old English word “weoce” referring to a wick dates back to at least the year 825 CE (Etymonline). With no electricity, people relied on candles and lamps to light their homes, read, work, and get around safely at night.
Wicks were present in nearly every home, no matter how rich or poor. The quality and size of wicks varied – poorer families may have used cheaper materials like loose cotton while the wealthy used finely braided linen. But the basic purpose remained the same. The constant need for wicks in candles and oil lamps made them a ubiquitous household object during the Old English period.
The importance of wicks extended beyond practical lighting needs. Candles incorporating wicks were used in religious ceremonies and rituals. Lanterns with wicks helped provide illumination for night travel. And the simple act of trimming and maintaining wicks became a routine chore embedded in daily life. The prominence of wicks throughout so many aspects of Old English culture underscores their vital role at the time.
Decline
Wicks began to decline in usage and popularity in the mid-19th century with the invention of oil lamps and electricity.1 Previously, candles and wicks were an essential source of light and fire in most homes. However, with new technologies like oil lamps, gas lights, and lightbulbs, open flames from wicks became less necessary for lighting.2
The rise of electricity in the 20th century further reduced the need for wicks and candles to provide light. While no longer an essential household item, candles and wicks continued to be used decoratively and for religious purposes. But overall, their usage declined dramatically from previous centuries.
There were also health concerns over the materials used in wicks, especially lead cores which could release toxic fumes when burned. This led to regulations on wick materials in the late 20th century. While wicks today are often lead-free, their declining necessity for lighting purposes heavily reduced their prevalence and use in most homes.
Modern Usage
While wicks are not as commonly used today for lighting as they once were, they are still an essential component of candles. Candles remain popular for their ambiance, fragrance, and warm lighting. The wick is key to allowing the candle to burn and release its scent. Modern wicks are typically made from materials like cotton, paper, or wood (The Modern Wick).
Wicks today are often braided or twisted to help control the burn rate and prevent tunneling, where the wax melts unevenly. Wick styles can be customized to work with different candle wax types and jar shapes. Soy and vegetable wax blends require different wicks than paraffin wax. Beeswax and gel candles also use specialized wicks. Manufacturers carefully test wick and wax pairings to ensure good performance.
In addition to candles, wicks are still used in oil lamps and stoves as a way to draw up and ignite the fuel. These applications rely on traditional wick materials like cotton (The Modern Wick). While not as prevalent as in centuries past, wicks continue to power lighting and ambiance in certain settings. Their flame remains bright even in the modern age.
Conclusion
In summary, the wick was an essential component of candles and oil lamps in Old English times. Wicks were made from natural materials like flax, cotton, or rushes which absorbed the wax or oil fuel. Well-trimmed wicks were important for clean, steady burning. Wicks held the flame that provided crucial lighting before electricity. Though wicks aren’t as vital today, they are still used in certain candles, oil lamps, and stoves. Learning about the history of the wick provides insight into daily life in Old English times.
