Candles have always had a distinctive place in our society, and as such they represent an incredible link that taps into our past. In a quite unique way, candles radiate messages of romance, passion, security, warmth, hope, spirituality, mystery, to name just a few. Candles indeed are a burning example that the whole is more than sum of its parts – be they just a little wax and wick as they are. Deeply rooted in almost every religious and spiritual practice, creed and nationality, there is something peculiar and symbolic in a solitary flame and the aura of light surrounding it. It communicates with our souls. It speaks beyond words. It is the Unspeakable that dwells in the midst of the candle flame. It enlightens, enlivens, inspires, whispers secrets, comforts and ultimately connects. No matter how thick the darkness, the light of one candle conquers it. No matter how solitary one flame is, it is never alone or lonely for its light knows no boundaries and touches eternity. People of all faiths and walks of life, and many different creeds, have been joining together in a candlelight vigil to grieve, pray or celebrate. Candles are an integral part of our identities, they have been playing an important role in both our collective and individual consciousness.
Although we are living in modern times of technical revolution, blessed by the miracle of electrical lighting for a century, very few of us haven’t had contact with candles. From the very first blazing encounters on a birthday cake, where candles are introduced as a magical agents which help our wishes came true, to every possible ritual and practice of social initiation, rite of passage or pleasure lubricant, candle flame has been our constant companion. Our initial enchantment with birthday candles is precursor to our belief that magic and candles naturally go together. Symbolism of birthday candles is not the only candle symbolism we are exposed to from the earliest days. No matter what religion we are born into, there are sanctuaries and special places to light a candle for health, protection, blessing and loving memory of departed ones. 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.
In our everyday lives, candles are preferable catalyst for special moments, no matter if we need a lovely, romantic supper where candle light is a must, a “relaxing” aromatic candle bath, or just a warmth, both physical and spiritual to look at on a frosty winter night. The popularity of candles has skyrocketed in our modern world of electric lighting. Now there are even more colors, improved production methods and much more pleasant and exotic scents than our ancestors could ever have imagined. Due to the popularity of aromatherapy, essential oils candles are also more widely available for home use. Don’t think twice. Think candle.
Related Posts
Pillar Candles
If you want candles that make a statement, consider pillar candles. Pillar candles are a…
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. Purification and cleansing closely related.
What is the brief history of scented candle? ›
Scented candles have existed for centuries, dating back to ancient times when the Egyptians first created them using beeswax. However, in the 18th and 19th centuries, scented candles began to take the technological leap.
What is the story behind candles? ›
Candles have been used as a source of light and to illuminate celebrations for more than 5,000 years, yet little is known about their origin. The earliest use of candles is often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians, who made rushlights or torches by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat.
What do scented candles represent? ›
Lit candles throughout the ages were considered symbols of romance, love and passion. Add aphrodisiac scents - vanilla, jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, sandalwood or patchouli - and your significant other will look at you with different eyes.
What is the spiritual meaning of candles? ›
In many denominations of Christianity, candles are used to represent the light of Christ, and are often lit during religious services. Candles are also commonly used during seasonal festivities, to symbolise the hope and renewal brought by the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
What do the 7 candles stand for? ›
The New Testament Book of Revelation refers to a mystery of seven golden lampstands representing seven churches.
What is the psychology of scented candles? ›
"The soothing effect that candles have is based on how the brain processes smells. The smell of scented candles stimulates our limbic system, the part of the brain that is home to our memory and emotions. Hormones like serotonin and dopamine can be produced to help regulate mood.
What is the ancient history of candles? ›
Candles were first mentioned in Biblical times, as early as the tenth century BCE. These early candles were made of wicks stuck into containers filled with a flammable material. The first dipped candles were made by the Romans from rendered animal fat called tallow.
What is the history of the standard candle? ›
The first discovered standard candles are cepheid variables, stars whose period of variation in luminosity can be translated into a distance. These were first identified by Henrietta Swan Leavitt in 1908, and more conclusively established in 1912.
What is the spiritual history of candles? ›
The Ancient Origins of Candle Rituals
From the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt to the Indus Valley civilization, the use of candles in rituals and ceremonies dates back thousands of years. In these early societies, candles symbolized divine presence, enlightenment, and guidance.
A candle melted down to its end implies a life lived with purpose, while an unused candle signifies unused potential to give light and warmth. Just like a candle, we have the capacity to give. Life is about giving. Serving others.
Why do candles represent God? ›
He has promised to come again (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and, in eternity, will illuminate the heavens with His glory (Revelation 20). Candles, then, remind Christians of the glory of God—His power and purity, and His abiding presence and faithful promises.
What do candles Symbolise in literature? ›
In literature, candles have been a rich source of symbolism for centuries. One of their most prevalent symbolic meanings is enlightenment. A prime example can be found in Charles Dickens' timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol.” In this novella, candles are used to symbolize the illumination of the soul.
What do candles stand for? ›
CANDLES is an acronym for Children of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly Lab Experiments Survivors. CANDLES, Inc. was founded in 1984 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by Eva Mozes Kor with help from her twin sister, Miriam Mozes Zieger, to launch an effort to locate other surviving Mengele twins.
What is the main purpose of scented candles? ›
Did you know that lighting scented candles can help to create the perfect atmosphere and sense of well-being? Scented candles are real mood-boosters. Certain fragrances affect our emotions and can turn our moods! Floral aromas, such as roses, lavender and jasmine help to make you feel calm and relaxed.
What does a candle symbolize in the Bible? ›
Candles can symbolize many things: life, God, the Spirit, Christ, repentance, our prayer requests, what God has done, what God will do, and more. However, all of the above point to Jesus the Christ. He is one with God and the Spirit.
What do candles indicate? ›
Bullish patterns indicate that the price is likely to rise, while bearish patterns indicate that the price is likely to fall. No pattern works all the time, as candlestick patterns represent tendencies in price movement, not guarantees.
What does the candle stand represent in the Bible? ›
The candlestick here, like the seven candlesticks in Revelation 1:20; 2:1, symbolizes the church of God, then in its Old Testament form, the idea conveyed being that God's church is set to be a lightgiver in the world. Compare Christ's words (Matthew 5:14,16; Luke 12:35), and Paul's (Philippians 2:15).
What does each candle stand for? ›
The four candles of Advent represent the four Sundays of Advent, and they respectively symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love.
