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Candles have been a staple in households for centuries, providing not only light but also warmth and a sense of serenity. Traditionally, these flickering sources of light were made from a variety of materials, each with their own unique properties and histories.

Tallow: The Earliest Ingredient

The earliest and most common candle-making material was tallow, a byproduct of animal fat from cattle or sheep. It was abundant and easy to procure, which made it a popular choice despite its pungent odor when burned.

Beeswax: A Sweet-Smelling Alternative

Eventually, beeswax candles became highly coveted for their naturally sweet scent and soot-free burn. They were more expensive than tallow, due to the labor-intensive process of harvesting the wax from beehives, making them a luxury item.

The Advent of Spermaceti

In the 18th century, spermaceti, derived from the head cavity of the sperm whale, became a preferred material. Spermaceti candles burned brightly, without a foul odor, and with less smoke.

Paraffin Wax: A Game Changer

The 19th century brought the introduction of paraffin wax, which was clear, odorless, and burned cleaner than tallow or beeswax. It was extracted from oil and coal shale, making it widely accessible.

Candle Making: A Time-Honored Process

Traditional candle making was a meticulous process involving the repetitive dipping of a wick into melted wax or tallow, allowing each layer to cool before re-dipping to achieve the desired thickness.

The Modern Candle

Today, candles are made from a variety of materials including soy, gel, and synthetic waxes. However, the traditional methods and materials hold a special place in the history of candle making.

In essence, the journey of candle making is a fascinating reflection of human innovation and resourcefulness, adapting to available resources and improving technologies over time.