| Candles were originally used to provide a lighting | | | | huge role in the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. |
| source. Today candles are used for decorations, party | | | | Candles are also used as part of Kwanzaa, Wiccan, |
| favors, gifts and centerpieces. As early as 3000 B.C. | | | | and other smaller religious movements. |
| Egyptians were making candles from beeswax. In | | | | Beyond the religious reasons for candle usage, candles |
| other countries, candles were made from various | | | | are key to setting a relaxing mood or ambience. The |
| forms of fats and/or waxes including whale blubber | | | | ability of candles to provide a welcome aesthetic, |
| and beef tallow. After 1830, paraffin became the fuel | | | | including soft, warm, or romantic ambience, or calming |
| of choice because it was a material that produced an | | | | light against the darkness of night caused by a wild |
| odorless candle from cheaper materials. Shortly after | | | | storm, ensure their continued place as a favorite |
| the adoption of parafin, however, kerosene was | | | | household decoration. |
| distillated and kerosene lamps quickly replaced candles | | | | Candles bring about good memories. From the candles |
| as the lighting source of choice. | | | | on the cakes celebrating our birthdays upon which we |
| Today, however, candles maintain modern day uses. | | | | make our yearly wish, to the scented candles that |
| Many religious ceremonies utilize the lighting of candles | | | | remind us of the comfort foods we crave. Candles |
| in worship rituals. For example, in Christianity, candles | | | | and their soothing effects, make our lives a little more |
| often represent the light of God or the light of Christ. | | | | bearable, each day. Whether you are lighting them for |
| Candles may be burned upon the altar or lit by | | | | the purpose of aromatherapy, to mark the passage of |
| worshippers to complement their prayers. Judaism | | | | another year, or as a form of religious expression, |
| traditionally light candles on Friday evening as the | | | | candles are a mainstay in our lives that simple |
| weekly Sabbath celebration begins, and again on | | | | electricity can not replace. |
| Saturday night when the Sabbath ends. Candles play a | | | | |