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• Candles have been used to provide both illumination and warmth for thousands of years and have been manufactured using a variety of techniques. Modern candle making consists of melting wax, then pouring it into a mold or glass container, inserting the wick and allowing the wax to harden. Dyes and fragrances can be added to the melted wax to produce different colored and scented candles

• Fast Facts

  1. Annual U.S. retail candle sales exceed $2 billion
  2. Candles are used in 7 out of 10 U.S. households
  3. Rathbornes Candles, in Dublin Ireland, has been in business since 1488
  4. Beginning in 1415, tallow candles were used as streetlights in London, England for hundreds of years
  5. Candles have a long history of use in many religious ceremonies
  6. 1. Paraffin
  7. 1. Beeswax
  8. 1. Soy bean wax
  9. 1. Carnauba (palm) wax

• History

  Although the Ancient Egyptians made beeswax candles as early as 3,000 B.C., most early candles were made from whale or other animal fats until the mid 19th century when paraffin manufacturing developed. Paraffin wax produced longer burning, less unpleasant smelling and more affordable candles than those made from animal fats. Paraffin remains the most popular candle wax, although modern candles are most often used for decorative purposes rather than for lighting or warmth.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  How to Make Gel Candles | How to Make Molded Candles | How to Make Taper Candles | How to Make Rolled Candles | How to Make Container Candles | Soap Making | Candles | Crafts | How to Make Glue | How to Make an Envelope | Christmas Tree Scented Candles | Christmas Candles

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