Why Are Candles Beautiful?

The History of Candles

The use of candles and candlelight originated with early civilizations discovering the natural process of bees creating wax that could be collected and shaped. According to Wikipedia, the earliest candle-like objects were created using torches made from dried palm leaves, coconut husks, and dried animal fat [1]. These rudimentary candles provided essential light and were used in ancient cultures including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece.

The Romans developed ceramic oil lamps which burned olive oil and beeswax candles for lighting. Simple hand-dipped candles were made by dipping prepared wicks in hot wax repeatedly to build up layers. The width and designs of candles evolved with metal candle molds appearing in Europe in the Middle Ages which enabled production of candles in different shapes and sizes [2]. Candles became ornamental and elaborate by the 18th century and handcrafted candles were symbols of artistry with detailed designs.

In the 19th century, paraffin wax was discovered as an alternative that burned longer and cleaner than animal-based waxes. Paraffin allowed industrialized production of candles at much higher volumes. Today, candles combine history and artistry with modern science and designs, continuing to elegantly light the darkness.

The Artistry of Candles

The art of candlemaking is evident in the creative effort involved in handcrafting candles. Unlike mass-produced candles made using molds and machines, artisanal candlemakers apply their imagination and skill into unique candle shapes, colors and scents. Many candlemakers offer custom or bespoke candle options, allowing customers to choose specific colors, scents, containers, and designs. The handmade quality brings an artistic element absent in factory candle production.

Skilled candlemakers demonstrate their creativity through distinct candle shapes beyond just pillars or tins. Some handmake geometric shapes, embeds of flowers or glitter, or detailed shapes like animals. Color choices also reflect creativity, ranging from single-hue to ombre gradients to multi-colored swirls. Scent profiles require similar artistry to produce pleasing aromas using essential oils and other fragrance components. The book The Art of Candlemaking details howcandlemaking involves imagination and problem solving much like other arts and crafts.

Custom candlemakers like AU Collection allow customers to personalize candles with preferred colors and scents for a truly bespoke candle. Their artistic expertise transforms customers’ ideas into one-of-a-kind candles.

Candlelight Creates a Soothing Ambiance

Candlelight has an innate ability to create a soothing ambiance unlike any other light source. The soft, warm glow of a candle flame provides an oasis of calm in our hectic modern lives. Whether enjoyed during a relaxing evening at home or while dining at a romantic restaurant, candlelight never fails to set the perfect peaceful mood.

In our age of harsh fluorescent lights and the cold blue glow of screens, candlelight stands out for its gentleness. The natural flickering and wavering of a candle’s flame is mesmerizing yet utterly calming. As we watch the dance of light on the walls, we can feel our stress and worries melt away.

Candlelight contributes to a relaxing environment like nothing else. The warm tones and low light levels allow our bodies and minds to unwind. Whether we light a candle to accompany a home spa treatment, or place candles around the bathtub after a long day, the soft illumination helps set a serene tone. Even the simple act of blowing out candles before bed signals our brains that it’s time for rest.

In essence, candlelight has an unparalleled capacity to set a relaxing mood or tone. The soothing ambiance created by candles can quickly transform any space into an oasis of tranquility and peace.

Candles Can Make a Strong Visual Impact

Candles are frequently used as stunning centerpieces and focal points in interior decor. When grouped together artfully, candles can become the highlight of a space. According to Goose Creek Candle, “The candles become the main focus of your display. Add additional décor items to enhance their visual effect.”

Unique containers and candleholders also contribute to the visual appeal of candles. Interesting jars, vases, lanterns, and other holders elevate simple candles into eye-catching works of art. The interplay between the holder and the candle creates visual interest.

Impressive candle displays utilize principles of design like color, shape, and grouping to make a statement. Candles of varying heights and widths layered and clustered together make for an impactful arrangement. As Pinterest suggests, “Different sizes of flameless candles to-gather for better visual impact.”

The Symbolic Meaning of Candles

Throughout history, candles have held deep symbolic meaning in many cultures and traditions. The flickering flame of a candle represents hope, guidance, and memory. Candles play an integral role in rituals, ceremonies, and religious services. They hold spiritual significance across faiths and beliefs.

In Christianity, lighting candles can symbolize the light of Christ, serving as a reminder to let one’s own light shine (Matthew 5:16). The Catholic and Orthodox churches use candles in masses and rituals. Lighting candles is often part of prayer reflection and remembrance.

In Judaism, candles hold religious significance. They are lit on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays. The menorah is an important symbol in Judaism, representing the nation of Israel and the miraculous light that burned in the Temple for eight days on limited oil. Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights for this history.

Candles also play an important role in Wiccan and Pagan rituals and spellwork. Different colored candles can correspond to magic for specific purposes, from tranquility to passion. Lighting candles creates a meditative and sacred space for rituals and ceremonies.

The flickering glow of a candle represents the inner light within all human beings. Since ancient times, the candle flame has provided a focal point for spiritual connection, remembrance, and bringing light into the darkness.

Scented Candles Evoke Emotion

The sense of smell is incredibly powerful when it comes to evoking emotions and memories. Unlike our other senses, smell is directly connected to the limbic system and the brain’s emotional processing centers. When we inhale pleasing aromas from scented candles, it can relax us or energize us, take us back to cherished memories, or create an ambiance that matches our desired mood.

Scented candle makers know the psychology of smell and will often create custom signature scents or scent blends that evoke specific feelings and vibes. Warm aromas like vanilla and amber help create a cozy, welcoming effect. Clean scents like citrus or eucalyptus feel bright and uplifting. Florals and herbs can transform us to a peaceful garden setting. There are even candle scents designed to boost creativity, relaxation, focus, confidence and other desirable mindsets.

Next time you light up a scented candle, take a moment to observe how the fragrances make you feel. The nostalgia of cinnamon during the holidays, the calm of lavender before bed, the excitement of a fresh ocean breeze scent — scented candles can be powerful mood enhancers via our scent associations and memories. This is part of what makes them both beautiful and evocative.

Watching the Flame is Meditative

Staring into the flickering flame of a candle can induce a deeply calm and hypnotic state, creating a perfect environment for meditation. The dancing light could be described as transient, moving yet still, and seemingly random yet following natural patterns. Witnessing this interplay enters one into the present moment as the mind focuses on the constantly changing flame.

The ephemeral nature of a candle’s flame is said to represent the Buddhist teaching of impermanence. Fire provides an accessible visualization of our experience in the world arising and ceasing from moment to moment. Concentrating on this impermanence induces equanimity and acceptance as one lets go of attachments.

Candles are commonly used as an anchor or focusing point for mindfulness exercises and meditation. The soft glow draws the eyes in naturally, while the subtle variations in the flame give the mind something to settle on. Simply watching the candle allows one to practice non-judgmental observation and gently redirect wandering thoughts. The candle flame could be seen as a visual representation of consciousness.

Candlelight Flatters Skin and Spaces

The warm glow of candlelight is known to be incredibly flattering. It creates a soft, delicate illumination that highlights the contours of the face in an elegant way. Unlike harsh overhead lighting, candlelight casts a subtle radiance that brings out the best in one’s natural features.

In a similar vein, candlelight can make any space feel more inviting and beautiful. As noted in an article on House Beautiful (https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/colors/g2013/paint-colors-for-candlelight/), rooms feel warmer and more elegant when lit by candles. Paint colors can complement the candlelit ambiance as well, like deep plums and roasted earth tones.

Candlelight flatters because it illuminates the finer details of a space or face without being overbearing. The soft light enhances one’s best features and adds coziness to any setting. It’s an ideal lighting choice when the goal is to create a soothing, romantic, or elegant atmosphere.

The Classic Beauty of Fire

Fire holds an ancient, elemental beauty that captivates and entrances us. The dancing, flickering flames have mesmerized humans for millennia, dating back to when early humans would gather around a campfire for safety, warmth, and community. There is something primal and awe-inspiring about gazing into the hypnotic movement of fire that taps into our deepest selves. Watching the flames sway and curl provides a centering experience for the mind.

Part of the allure of candles comes from this dance between the flame and wax. As the flame melts the candle down, the wax shifts and contorts into new, fluid shapes. This ever-changing form contrasted against the constancy of the flame creates a visually compelling tension. The interplay between solid and gas, captured in wax and flame, makes candles an artistic medium as well as a simple light source.

In his 2014 short film The Beauty of Fire, director Adam Thomas frames the candle’s flame as a living, breathing entity. Thomas muses, “Fire has burned in the hearts of mankind since the dawn of time. It is something beautiful, dangerous, and transformative.” This sums up humanity’s eternal captivation with the seemingly simple, yet profound and primal, beauty of fire.

Candles Connect Us to Our Past

Candles have long been a part of human history, used for both practical and symbolic purposes. The use of candles connects us nostalgically to simpler times before electricity. For thousands of years, candles were integral for providing light after sundown. The warm, flickering glow of a candle evokes imagery of pre-industrial life when nighttime activities were illuminated solely by the flames of candles, torches, lanterns, and fireplaces. Candlelight creates a bond to the past and reminds us of heritage craftsmanship and customs.

The labor-intensive process of handcrafting candles has changed little over time. Beeswax and tallow candles date back to ancient Rome. Candlemaking was an honored skill passed down through generations along with time-honored techniques. The growth of candlemaking into an artisanal trade meant every region developed signature styles, waxes, and colors for their candles. Even as methods modernized, the old-world appeal of candles persists.

Candles are integrated into the rituals, celebrations, and remembrances of cultures worldwide. Lighting candles can signify paying tribute, setting an intention, or making an offering. The custom of lighting memorial candles to honor those who have passed and the tradition of lighting prayer candles demonstrate the enduring symbolic power of candle flames ( https://www.candledelirium.com/blog/candles-brief-history-of-symbolism/). When we light a candle today, we invoke this ancient, shared heritage of humanity.