CandlesA candle is a light source usually consisting of an internal wick which rises through the center of a column of solid fuel. Typically the fuel is some form of wax with paraffin wax being the most common. Prior to the candle being ignited, the wick is saturated with the fuel in its solid form. The heat of the match or other flame being used to light the candle first melts and then vaporizes a small amount of the fuel. Once vaporized, the fuel combines with oxygen in the atmosphere to form a flame. This flame then provides sufficient heat to keep the candle burning via a self-sustaining chain of events: the heat of the flame melts the top of the mass of solid fuel, the liquefied fuel then moves upward through the wick via capillary action, and the liquefied fuel is then vaporized to burn within the candle's flame. The burning of the fuel takes place in several distinct regions (as evidenced by the various colors that can be seen within the candle's flame). Within the bluer, hotter regions, hydrogen is being separated from the fuel and burned to form water vapor. The brighter, yellower part of the flame is the remaining carbon soot being oxidized to form carbon dioxide. As the mass of the solid fuel is melted and consumed, the candle grows shorter. Portions of the wick that are not evaporating the liquid fuel are themselves consumed in the flame, limiting the exposed length of the wick. Usage Prior to electricity, candles were a common source of lighting, before, and later in addition to, the oil lamp. For several centuries up to the 19th century candles were more common in northern Europe, and olive oil lamps more common in southern Europe and around the Mediterranean Sea. Makers of candles were known as chandlers. Today, candles are usually used for their aesthetic value, particularly to set a soft, warm, or romantic ambience, and for emergency lighting during electrical power failures. Scented candles are common in aromatherapy. Small candles are often placed on birthday cakes. Religion Candles are used in religious ceremonies. Christianity In Christianity, they typically represent the light of Jesus, and are often placed on the altar. Votive candles may be lit as an accompaniment to prayer. Candles are lit by worshippers in front of icons in Orthodox and other churches. Candlemas marks the end of the season of Epiphany. Candles were traditionally used to light up Christmas trees before the advent of electric lights. They are still, even today, commonly used to decorate Christmas trees in Denmark and other European countries. They are also used in Advent wreaths. In Sweden (and other Scandinavian countries), St. Lucia Day is celebrated on December 13 with the crowning of a young girl with a ring of candles. Judaism In Judaism, candles are traditionally lit on Friday evening at the start of the weekly Sabbath celebration. The Jewish holiday of Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by lighting a candle in a special candelabrum (menorah) each night during the eight-day holiday to commemorate the dedication of the altar in the Temple in Jerusalem. Candles are also used in remembering a deceased loved one, especially on Yom HaShoah, The Day of the Holocaust. Kwanzaa Candles are also used in celebrations of Kwanzaa, which is an African American holiday, which runs from December 26 to January 1.
More Candles - you should know ArticlesAdd Some Light To Your Life With Candles Candles first served as the main source of light for early civilization. ...read more Aromatherapy Candles – Set The Mood Aromatherapy candles are in constant use to help set the atmosphere and improve the ... read more Aromatherapy Candles – The Brighter Side Of Candles Candles are commonly used for lightening a dark room when your home’s ... read more Candle Holder Styles Candles are wonderful things that can evoke many moods and enhance many settings. Perhaps you're planning a ... read more Candles - Why People Are Making Their Own Candles are very cheap: you can get hundreds of small candles in ... read more Candles – How To Make Them From Home A candle, consisting of an internal wick and a column of solid ... read more Candles A candle is a light source usually consisting of an internal wick which rises through the center of a ... read more Careful With Scented Candle – Some People Are Allergic Before you give a highly scented candle as a gift, you ... read more Create Your Own Custom Scented Candle A custom scented candle is a unique fragrance that you can create yourself. You ... read more Don’t You Love Highly Scented Candles? The majority of highly scented candles use fragrance oils, which means the intention is ... read more |
|
Disclosure: Advertisements are placed on this website to offset the cost of maintenance and to keep this site free for everyone to use. Owners of this website will receive compensation for products and services purchased through featured advertisements. All claims of actual user results should be considered atypical best case scenarios and not in the norm. |