Candles: Holiday History and Party Trivia

By: Gail Leino
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:23:16
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Candles were originally used to provide a lighting source. Today candles are used for decorations, party favors, gifts and centerpieces. As early as 3000 B.C. Egyptians were making candles from beeswax. In other countries, candles were made from various forms of fats and/or waxes including whale blubber and beef tallow. After 1830, paraffin became the fuel of choice because it was a material that produced an odorless candle from cheaper materials. Shortly after the adoption of parafin, however, kerosene was distillated and kerosene lamps quickly replaced candles as the lighting source of choice.

Today, however, candles maintain modern day uses. Many religious ceremonies utilize the lighting of candles in worship rituals. For example, in Christianity, candles often represent the light of God or the light of Christ. Candles may be burned upon the altar or lit by worshippers to complement their prayers. Judaism traditionally light candles on Friday evening as the weekly Sabbath celebration begins, and again on Saturday night when the Sabbath ends. Candles play a huge role in the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

Candles are also used as part of Kwanzaa, Wiccan, and other smaller religious movements.

Beyond the religious reasons for candle usage, candles are key to setting a relaxing mood or ambience. The ability of candles to provide a welcome aesthetic, including soft, warm, or romantic ambience, or calming light against the darkness of night caused by a wild storm, ensure their continued place as a favorite household decoration.

Candles bring about good memories. From the candles on the cakes celebrating our birthdays upon which we make our yearly wish, to the scented candles that remind us of the comfort foods we crave. Candles and their soothing effects, make our lives a little more bearable, each day. Whether you are lighting them for the purpose of aromatherapy, to mark the passage of another year, or as a form of religious expression, candles are a mainstay in our lives that simple electricity can not replace.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has a huge selection of free party games, coloring pages, word find, word scramble, printable baby and bridal shower activities. Holiday Party Decorations (Holiday-Party-Decorations.com), free games, menus, recipes, coloring sheets, theme ideas, and activities to help complete your event.

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