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Categories: Hazel Rosetta Smith,
It is said that candles have been used as a source of light and to illuminate celebrations for more than 5,000 years. The earliest use of candles is often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians. Romans are credited with developing wicked candles to light their homes, to travel by night, and in religious ceremonies.
Early Chinese candles were molded in paper tubes, using rolled rice paper for the wick, and wax from an indigenous insect that was combined with seeds. In Japan, candles were made of wax extracted from tree nuts, while in India, candle wax was made by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree. A major improvement came in the Middle Ages when beeswax candles were introduced in Europe because they burned pure and cleanly, without producing a smoky flame. It also emitted a sweet smell.
The growth of U.S. oil introduced the use of paraffin and stearic acid as basic ingredients. The popularity of candles remained steady until the mid-1980s when interest in candles as decorative items, mood-setters, and gifts began to increase. Through annual occasions, socially and religiously, there is time marked by the lighting of candles, and the joy of cherished traditions, The Advent season is a four-week period of Sundays before Christmas that celebrates the anticipation and the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. It begins with the lighting of four purple candles with an individual theme: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. The fifth white candle is lit on Christmas day to symbolize the purity of the birth of Jesus.
Hanukkah, which is a Hebrew word meaning dedication, is celebrated by the lighting of the Menorah, a lampstand that holds nine candles symbolizing divine light, resilience, and unity in Jewish culture. Its candles represent leadership, miracles, and the enduring presence of God’s light, fostering joy and gratitude during Hanukkah.
Kwanzaa, which is observed from December 26 through January 1, is celebrated by the lighting of seven candles on the Kinara stand. African roots are anchored by seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba which aims to inspire Black people to be united, self-determined, accountable for their communities, financially invested in Black-owned businesses, purposeful with their lives, creative, and full of faith.
Candles are utilized in numerous ways not just to illuminate, but to inspire, and soothe nerves through meditation, massage, and for aromatherapy treatment.
Candles are available in a broad array of sizes, shapes, and colors, and consumer interest in scented candles continues to escalate as candle-making companies become profit-making businesses.
As one who is especially fond of candles, I was gifted with several from friends who know it is the right choice for me. Light a candle and let it represent the little light that shines from within you.
[Hazel Rosetta Smith is a journalist, playwright, and artistic director of Help Somebody Theatrical Ministries. Contact: misshazel@twc.com and online at www.hazelrosettasmith.com]
