What Is The Italian Name For Candles?
Introducing Candles in Italian
Candles are a small light source commonly used for lighting, religious practices, decoration, and aromatherapy purposes in homes and other settings worldwide. The Italian word for candle is “candela”. Candles date back thousands of years and have had various uses and significance across many cultures. In Italy, candles have historically served both practical and symbolic purposes, being used for lighting, religious rituals, holidays, and more.
While candles may seem like a simple household item today, they have a rich history and importance in Italian tradition. This article will explore the Italian terminology, use, production, safety, decor, cuisine, and cultural significance of candles throughout Italy’s history.
The Italian Word for Candles
The Italian word for “candle” is “candela”. This comes from the Latin word “candela” which also means candle. The Latin root word refers to candles made of tallow or wax.
According to the Etymology of candela by etymonline, the word “candela” entered English in 1950 as a unit of luminous intensity. However, the word existed in ancient Latin to refer specifically to tallow or wax candles.
“Candela” in Latin comes from the verb “candeo” meaning “to shine or glow”. The suffix “-ela” was added to create the noun form referring to the shining object – the candle.
So the Italian “candela”, pronounced “kan-deh-lah”, traces back to Latin origins where “candela” referred to wax and tallow candles. The shining etymology has been preserved into modern Italian.
Use of Candles in Italian History
Candles have a long history of use in Italy dating back to ancient Roman times. The Romans began making simple dipped candles from tallow around 1000 BC (source). Candles were an important source of lighting in ancient Rome, though oil lamps were more predominant.
In the early Catholic Church, candles came to hold special religious significance. Beeswax candles were used in church ceremonies and processions. The Catholic Church formalized candle usage, assigning meanings to different colors. White was for purity, red for martyrs and saints, green for ordinariness, violet for penance and mourning, and black for death and mortality.
Candles were widely used in religious ceremonies and rituals during the Middle Ages in Italy. They were seen as symbols of Christ, the Light of the World. The use of candles in worship continues to be an important tradition in the Catholic Church today.
Candles in Italian Traditions
Candles play an important role in many Italian holiday traditions. One of the most notable is their use on Christmas Eve. An old Italian tradition is that families set lighted candles in their windows on Christmas Eve to symbolize lighting the way for the Christ Child (Source). The candles represent welcoming Jesus into their homes and lives.
Candles are also an integral part of Day of the Dead altars and decorations in Italy. Families light candles on the altar to guide the spirits of deceased loved ones. The candles help the spirits find their way back to visit with their families. The candles also represent the light and wisdom the spirits bring back to the world of the living (Source).
For other holidays like Easter, candles play symbolic roles representing Jesus Christ as the light of the world. The use of candles across Italian traditions underscores their significance in guiding, honoring, and commemorating.
Candlemaking in Italy
Candlemaking has a rich history in Italy as an artisanal craft passed down through generations of skilled artisans. Several regions of Italy are renowned for their handcrafted candles made using traditional techniques. One of the most famous areas for artisanal candlemaking is Tuscany, where candles have been produced since the Middle Ages.
Tuscan candlemakers use high-quality local beeswax combined with pure cotton wicks to create aromatic candles with a beautiful natural glow. The beeswax is gathered from black honeybees that produce honey with distinct floral notes that subtly scent the candles. Skilled candlemakers carefully hand-pour each candle in these workshops to achieve flawless finishes and unique shapes using molds passed down over centuries.
Other regions like Umbria, Emilia-Romagna and Veneto also have a tradition of handcrafting candles using techniques like lacework, multi-immersion, and other intricate methods to create candles that are like works of art. Italian candlemakers take pride in using natural, sustainable materials like beeswax and vegetable-based waxes made from soybeans or palm oil when crafting their candles.
The art of Italian candlemaking continues today both in small family-run bottegas as well as larger candle companies that distribute the candles nationally and abroad. When shopping for candles in Italy, look for labels indicating “Artigianale” which means they were made using old-world artisanal techniques for a true taste of Italian craftsmanship.
Buying Candles in Italy
When visiting Italy and looking to buy candles, there are many wonderful places to shop for high-quality, beautiful candles made locally in Italy. Many tourists enjoy browsing the candle selection at markets in cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence where you can find candles handmade by local artisans.
Some top brands for Italian candles to look for include Selve, Motta, and Accademia. Selve makes luxurious candles using Italian waxes and perfumes since 1945. Motta is an Italian brand dating back to the 1700s known for their artistic candle designs. Accademia is a Florence-based candlemaker specializing in natural vegetable wax candles inspired by Italian culture.
In Venice, the historic Squero di San Trovaso area is a wonderful place to shop for local Venetian candles. Look for candles at the Campo Santa Maria Formosa market in Venice as well. In Milan, the designer Peck store carries candles, while the La Rinascente department store is another option.
Many traditional markets like Mercato Centrale in Florence or Campo de’ Fiori in Rome have vendors selling handmade candles that make for great souvenirs. For a unique experience, visit the beeswax candle shop Operà Laboratori Fiorentini near the Duomo in Florence. Overall, visiting candle shops and markets in cities across Italy allows you to find beautiful, high-quality candles while supporting local artisans.
Candle Safety in Italy
Properly using candles in Italy is important to prevent fires and injuries. Here are some tips for safely enjoying candles in Italy:
Be sure to follow any candle labeling instructions. In the EU, candle labels must include details like the company name, candle dimensions, and a warning if the candle is intended for outdoor use only (per EN 15493).
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Fires can start quickly if a candle gets knocked over or comes in contact with flammable materials. Extinguish candles before leaving a room.
Keep candles away from things that can catch fire like curtains, furniture, decorations, etc. The recommended safe distance is at least 50 cm on the sides and 150 cm above the candle.
Do not burn candles near open windows where drafts can blow the flame out of control. Be extra cautious burning candles during Italy’s windy seasons.
Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent smoking and uneven burning. Long or mushrooming wicks are more likely to start fires.
Place candles on sturdy, nonflammable saucers. Glass, metal, or ceramic saucers can prevent damage if hot wax drips.
Avoid using candles in bedrooms or other small, enclosed spaces where fires pose high risk. Opt for battery-operated flameless candles instead.
Teach children about safe candle practices so they understand the fire hazards. Do not let children or pets near burning candles.
With proper precautions, candles can be enjoyed safely in Italy. But be sure to follow any special candle regulations and take steps to prevent fires or injuries.
Candles in Italian Décor
Candles play an integral role in Italian home décor. Italians incorporate candles throughout their homes to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. In the kitchen, small votive candles are often placed on the dining table or kitchen countertops. These candles create a cozy ambiance during meals. In the living room, larger pillar candles are displayed on side tables, console tables, or mantels. Scented candles help make the living room feel more homey. The soft glow of candlelight makes any room feel more elegant and sophisticated.
Tall taper candles in candlesticks are frequently used in dining rooms. Placing taper candles on the dining table helps set a romantic mood. The candles also provide a soft light during dinnertimes. For special occasions like holidays or dinner parties, many Italians will adorn their dining tables with elaborate candelabras. The flickering flames from multiple candles create a celebration ambiance. Whether for everyday meals or special gatherings, candles are an essential decorative element in Italian dining rooms.
In bedrooms, small tealight candles are often kept on the nightstands. Burning a tealight before bed helps relax and unwind. The candles also provide a warmer light for reading before going to sleep. For a romantic atmosphere, candle chandeliers and wall sconces incorporating candles are popular décor choices in Italian bedrooms. The ambient candlelight makes bedrooms feel cozier and more inviting. Throughout the home, candles add a special charm that is integral to Italian décor.
(Source: https://www.italygiftsdirect.com/candles.php)
Candles in Italian Cuisine
Candles play an important role in Italian dining, setting the atmosphere for romantic candlelit dinners. The warm, flickering glow of candles on the table creates an intimate setting and a sensory experience while dining. This tradition of candlelit dinners comes from the early days of Italian trattorias and ristorantes, aiming to create a cozy ambience. The custom continues today in Italian restaurants worldwide.
Candles are also commonly found on Italian dessert tables, placed directly on cakes, pastries, and other sweets. Many traditional Italian desserts are served with a lit candle, such as panettone at Christmas time, birthday cakes, and treats like tiramisu. The candle signifies celebration and adds a decorative touch to the dessert presentation. Lighting the dessert table candles helps complete the dining experience.
Overall, candles lend an authentic Italian flair and a romantic glow to dining occasions from start to finish. Their appearances throughout an Italian meal highlight important culinary customs.
The Significance of Candles in Italian Culture
Candles have had an important cultural significance in Italy for centuries. According to Italoamericano.org, Romans were using candles as early as 500 BC both for lighting and for religious offerings to the gods https://italoamericano.org/candles/. The Catholic tradition brought even greater meaning to candles in Italy. As Current Catalog notes, when lit in times of death, candles signify the light in the next world, and represent Christ as the light in Christianity. Candles are lit for prayers and special intentions https://blog.currentcatalog.com/the-art-history-and-significance-of-candles/. Monasteries like Montecassino have kept alive the ancient art of candle making, which takes on this symbolic meaning of light and faith https://aleteia.org/2020/09/25/the-italian-monasteries-keeping-the-ancient-tradition-of-candle-making-alive/. Beyond religion, candles also signify celebration, romance, and ambience in Italian food, décor, and culture. From ancient Roman times through the present, candles have had an integral role conveying light, faith, and atmosphere in Italy.
