Although candle making was developed independently in many countries through history, according to some information, the very first candle was made in China from whale fat during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC). In ancient China and Japan, candles were made of wax from insects and seeds, wrapped in paper.
Candles in Chinese History
Candles made of whale fat were found in the mausoleum of the first emperor of the Chinese Qin Dynasty – Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BC) which was rediscovered in the 1990s, twenty-two miles east of Xi’an. Also, some bronze figures which were excavated have been painted with candles.
During the history of Chinese Dynasties, there are many records and objects about candles usage. Among the gifts that the Emperors of the Han Dynasty (25-220) received often were candles and today excavated objects from that era, such as candle-holders and the evidence about candles usage.
The Northern and Southern Dynasties period which began in 386 and ended in 589 was the time during which China experienced 203 years of division and wars, but it was also the time of spreading of candles usage among Chinese people.
Candles During the Tang Dynasty
The Tang dynasty (618-907) is regarded by historians as a high point in Chinese civilization, equal, or even superior, to the Han era. This is also the period with the numerous records about candles making and usage.
During the period of Sung Dynasty which ruled in China from 960 to 1279, candles were used as a means of measuring the passage of time. Although their candle clocks could not tell them the exact time, they could determine when nearly one hour had gone by making marks in their candles. Once a burning candle had melted down to the one-hour mark, they knew that an hour had passed. Also, sometimes the sticks of incense had varying scents, so that hours were marked by a change in fragrance.
During Ming and Qing dynasties, the usage of candles has been widely spread and candles came into almost every Chinese house.
Candles from China
Today the usage of candles in China is very popular, particularly during the holiday seasons. The most important of all traditional Chinese holidays is Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival. On the last, 15th day of Spring Festival, candles are lit outside houses as a way to guide wayward spirits home. This day is celebrated as the Lantern Festival, and families walk the street carrying lighted lanterns. In a form of lampions, candles are also used during the Mooncake Lampion Festival, the Hungry Ghost Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Also, candles are an age old traditional part of Buddhist rituals. In conjunction with incense and flowers, they are situated in front of Buddhist shrines or statues and images of the Buddha as a mark of respect.
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FAQs
The candle symbolizes light in the darkness of life especially individual life, illlumination; it is the symbol of holy illumination of the spirit of truth. Lit in times of death, they signify the light in the next world, and they represent Christ as the light.
What is the history of Chinese candles? ›
Although candle making was developed independently in many countries through history, according to some information, the very first candle was made in China from whale fat during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC). In ancient China and Japan, candles were made of wax from insects and seeds, wrapped in paper.
What do candles represent to the Chinese? ›
Lamps and candles in Chinese literature symbolise hope, happiness and homesickness. To illuminate themselves at night, ancient Chinese mostly used deng, meaning lamps or lanterns, or zhu, meaning candles. Red deng and zhu symbolize happiness.
What is the history of tallow candles? ›
Candles, Roman, 500 BCE
The first dipped candles were made by the Romans from rendered animal fat called tallow. Since tallow is cheap and easily available, tallow candles were the most widely used types of candles for centuries. In the 1500's, beeswax was introduced as an alternative to tallow.
What is the deep meaning of the candle? ›
Candles are believed to connect people with divine, and with the deceased. They send our message beyond the boundaries of the visible and material world. In a candle light, the material world and the world of the Spirit are met.
What does the 18 candles symbolize? ›
The 18 candles also have a lovely symbolism, where the candles represent the light of wisdom and experience that the women in a young lady's life are more than willing to share and impart. It says to a young lady that women should help light each other's way.
What are some interesting facts about candles? ›
Candles have been made out of cows, insects, and whales
Candles have also been made out of wax made out of insects and seeds. It was even made of spermaceti from sperm whales and various plants. Candles are now mostly made from paraffin, beeswax, soy and many types of waxes.
What are Chinese candles called? ›
Sky lanterns have been made for centuries in cultures around the world, to be launched for play or as part of long-established festivities. The name sky lantern is a translation of the Chinese name but they have also been referred to as sky candles or fire balloons.
Why are Chinese candles red? ›
In China, red represents wealth, fame, and prosperity, which is why festivals, weddings, and other celebrations often have a lot of red decorations and outfits. Most Chinese lanterns are red, and lanterns of this color symbolize a prosperous business and a thriving life.
What do all 4 candles represent? ›
The four candles of Advent represent the four Sundays of Advent, and they respectively symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love.
In sacred rituals and ceremonies, candles are lit to establish a link with the divine, as if constituting an opening between the visible and invisible, which across through the flame, shines onto both the physical and astral planes.
What kind of energy does a candle represent? ›
This would be chemical energy that is converted to heat. The heat from the wick melts the wax which gets absorbed in the wick and then gets burnt (which is really oxidation) to produce heat energy as well as light energy.
What were three problems with tallow candles? ›
However, there were several problems with tallow. First, the animal fat gave off a terrible odor when it burned, and it filled the house with smoke. Also, tallow melted quickly. In order to keep tallow candles burning, the wicks needed to be trimmed constantly.
Why is a candle called a candle? ›
The word candle comes from Middle English candel, from Old English and from Anglo-Norman candele, both from Latin candēla, from candēre 'to shine'.
What is the oldest candle brand? ›
OUR RATHBORNES' HISTORY
- OUR HISTORY. FOUNDED IN DUBLIN IN 1488, RATHBORNES IS THE WORLD'S OLDEST CANDLE COMPANY. ...
- ORIGINS. ...
- INNOVATION AND TRADITION. ...
- THE BEYOND THE PALE COLLECTION. ...
-
- BOTANICAL BEE COLLECTION.
- The symbiotic relationship between bees and flowers developed over 100 million years ago.
For Christians, a candle is lit to represent the Star of Bethlehem, guiding the Magi to the stable where Jesus was born.
What do lighted candles symbolize in Christianity? ›
In Christianity the candle is commonly used in worship both for decoration and ambiance, and as a symbol that represents the light of God or, specifically, the light of Christ. The altar candle is often placed on the altar, usually in pairs.
What is the meaning of the candlelight service at Christmas? ›
Focus on Meaning of Christmas
It's, however, a great reminder about the true central focus of Christmas. The candlelight service is to help us celebrate the birth of the savior of the world, the light of the world, thus the candle." Mark Thiessen/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images.
What is the tradition of lighting candles? ›
The custom of lighting a candle as a response to a loved one's death comes out of the ancient belief that this would help prevent demons from seizing the soul of the deceased. Today, candlelit vigils are powerful ways of bringing people together in mourning and remembrance.
