Who Invented Candles? The Illuminating History

From ancient temples to modern luxury homes, candles have transformed from a simple source of light to a symbol of ambience, celebration, and scent. But who first had the brilliant idea of combining wax and wick? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.

 

The Earliest Forms of Candles

While there isn’t a single inventor of candles, historical records show that people across different cultures developed versions of candles thousands of years ago:

• Ancient Egyptians (3,000 BCE) – Egyptians created the first known “proto-candles” by soaking reeds in animal fat. These weren’t true candles with wicks, but they served a similar function.
• Romans (500 BCE) – The Romans improved upon this by crafting candles with a tallow-based wax and a woven wick, similar to what we use today. They used candles for religious ceremonies and military purposes.
• Ancient Chinese (200 BCE) – In China, candles were made from whale fat or beeswax and housed in paper tubes. They also incorporated wicks made from rolled rice paper.

 

Medieval Innovations & the Rise of Beeswax

By the Middle Ages, candle-making had become a recognised craft. While tallow candles remained common, they emitted an unpleasant smell when burned. Around the 14th century, beeswax candles gained popularity in Europe—these burned cleanly and had a mild honey aroma, but they were expensive, making them a luxury reserved for churches and the wealthy.

 

The Industrial Revolution & Stearin Wax

The 19th century revolutionised candle-making with the introduction of stearin wax, a purified form of animal fat that produced a firmer and cleaner-burning candle. This marked the beginning of candles as a widely accessible household item.

 

Paraffin Wax: A Game Changer

In the 1850s, chemists discovered how to refine paraffin wax from petroleum. This innovation made candles more affordable while offering a clean, odourless burn. Today, paraffin remains one of the most widely used waxes in modern candle-making.

 

The Evolution into Luxury & Fragrance

Once electricity became widespread, candles shifted from necessity to luxury and self-care. The 20th century saw the rise of scented candles, incorporating essential oils and synthetic fragrances to transform spaces with mood-enhancing aromas.

At The Original Candle Company, we embrace this legacy by blending tradition with innovation—crafting bespoke wax blends that offer a clean burn and exquisite fragrance. From our signature Baccarat wax melts to the warm embrace of Amber Wool scented candles, every scent tells a story rooted in centuries of candle-making artistry.

 

Final Thoughts: A Light That Endures

While candles have evolved from ancient torches to luxury home fragrances, their magic remains unchanged—a flickering flame bringing warmth, comfort, and timeless elegance.

Next time you light a candle, you’re continuing a tradition that stretches back thousands of years. Which historical candle innovation surprises you the most? Let us know in the comments!