A candle is a light source, and sometimes a heat source, consisting of a solid block of fuel and an embedded wick. Light, or visible light, is Electromagnetic radiation of a Wavelength that is visible to the Human eye (about 400–700 In Physics, heat, symbolized by Q, is Energy transferred from one body or system to another due to a difference in Temperature Fuel is any material that is burned or altered in order to obtain energy thumb|Close up photo of a candle wick A candle wick is a wick specifically adapted for use in a Candle.
Prior to the mid-19th century, candles were made from tallow (a byproduct of beef-fat rendering). Tallow is a rendered form of Beef or Mutton Fat, processed from Suet. Nowadays, they are usually made from wax. Wax has traditionally referred to a substance that is secreted by Bees ( Beeswax) and used by them in constructing their Paraffin wax is the most common, but there are also candles made from gel, soya and beeswax. In chemistry paraffin is the common name for the Alkane Hydrocarbons with the general formula C n H2 n +2
A candle manufacturer is traditionally known as a chandler. Various devices have been invented to hold candles, from simple tabletop candle holders, to elaborate chandeliers. A chandelier is a branched decorative ceiling-mounted light fixture with two or more arms bearing lights
The heat of the match used to light the candle melts and vaporizes a small amount of fuel. A match is a consumable Tool for lighting a Fire under controlled circumstances on demand Once vaporized, the fuel combines with oxygen in the atmosphere to form a flame. Oxygen (from the Greek roots ὀξύς (oxys (acid literally "sharp" from the taste of acids and -γενής (-genēs (producer literally begetteris the A flame is often defined as the visible (light-emitting part of a Fire. This flame 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 liquified fuel then moves upward through the wick via capillary action, and the liquified fuel is then vaporized to burn within the candle's flame. Capillary action, capillarity, capillary motion, or wicking is the ability of a substance to draw another substance into it
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 regions, hydrogen is being separated from the fuel and burned to form water vapor. Hydrogen (ˈhaɪdrədʒən is the Chemical element with Atomic number 1 General properties of water vapor Evaporation/sublimation Whenever a water molecule leaves a surface it is said to have evaporated The brighter, hotter, yellower part of the flame is the remaining carbon being oxidized to form carbon dioxide. Carbon (kɑɹbən is a Chemical element with the symbol C and its Atomic number is 6 Carbon dioxide ( Chemical formula:) is a Chemical compound composed of two Oxygen Atoms covalently bonded to a single
As the mass of solid fuel is melted and consumed, the candle grows shorter. Portions of the wick that are not evaporating the liquid fuel are consumed in the flame, limiting the exposed length of the wick and keeping the temperature and rate of fuel consumption even. Some wicks require manual trimming with scissors or a wick trimmer for even burning. Scissors are hand operated cutting instruments consisting of a pair of Metal Blades connected in such a way that the blades meet and cut materials placed
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History
In Rome, around the first century, candles were made out of tallow and the pith of rushes. Candle making was developed independently in many countries throughout history Rome ( Roma ˈroma Roma is the capital city of Italy and Lazio, and is Italy's largest and most populous city with more than 2 Pith is a light substance that is found in Vascular plants It consists of soft spongy Parenchyma cells and is located in the center of the stem. Juncus is a genus in the plant family Juncaceae. It consists of 225 to 300 species of grassy plants commonly called rushes. The Egyptians and Cretans made the candle from beeswax, as early as 3000 BC. Ancient Egypt was an Ancient Civilization in eastern North Africa, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River in what is now Crete ( Greek: Κρήτη transliteration: Krētē, modern transliteration Kriti) is the largest of the Greek islands and the For the rock song by Nirvana see Beeswax (song. Beeswax is a natural Wax produced in the bee hive of Honey bees of the genus The early candle was made from various forms of natural fat, tallow, and wax. In the 18th century, spermaceti, oil produced by the sperm whale, was used to produce a superior candle. Spermaceti (from Greek sperma, seed and cetus, whale is a Wax present in the head cavities of the Sperm whale ( Physeter The Sperm Whale ( Physeter macrocephalus or Physeter catodon) is the largest of all Toothed whales and largest living toothed animal Late in the 18th century, colza oil and rapeseed oil came into use as much cheaper substitutes. Colza oil is a non-drying Oil obtained from the seeds of Brassica campestris, var Rapeseed ( Brassica napus) also known as rape, oilseed rape, rapa, rapaseed and (in the case of one particular group of Paraffin was first distilled in 1830, and revolutionized candle-making, as it was an inexpensive material which produced a high-quality, odorless candle that burned reasonably cleanly. In chemistry paraffin is the common name for the Alkane Hydrocarbons with the general formula C n H2 n +2 The industry was devastated soon after, however, by the distillation of kerosene (confusingly also called paraffin oil or just paraffin). Kerosene, sometimes spelled kerosine in scientific and industrial usage is a Combustible Hydrocarbon liquid Recently resin based candles that are freestanding and transparent have been developed, with the claim that they burn longer than traditional paraffin candles. Resin, not to be confused with Rosin, is a Hydrocarbon Secretion of many Plants particularly coniferous trees.
Usage
Before the advent of electricity, candles and oil lamps were used for illumination. Until the 19th century, candles were more common in northern Europe. The 19th century of the Common Era began on January 1, 1801 and ended on December 31, 1900, according to the Gregorian calendar In southern Europe and the Mediterranean, oil lamps predominated.
Today, candles are used mainly for their aesthetic value, particularly to set a soft, warm, or romantic ambiance, and for emergency lighting during electrical power failures. A power outage (also known as power cut, power failure, power loss, or blackout) is the loss of the Electricity supply to an Scented candle are used in aromatherapy. Olfaction (also known as olfactics or smell) refers to the Sense of smell. Aromatherapy is a form of Alternative medicine that uses volatile liquid plant materials known as Essential oils (EOs and other aromatic compounds from plants for
Religion
- See also: Ceremonial use of lights
Candles are used in the religious ceremonies of many faiths. The ceremonial use of lights is found in the practice of many religions A religion is a set of Tenets and practices often centered upon specific Supernatural and moral claims about Reality, the Cosmos
Sikhism
The candle is used in Sikhism on Diwali, the festival of light. Sikhism ( IPA: or; ਸਿੱਖੀ sikkhī, IPA:) founded on the teachings of Nanak and nine successive gurus in fifteenth century Diwali, or Deepavali, (also called Tihar and Swanti in Nepal (Markiscarali is a major Indian and Nepalese festival and a significant
Buddhism
Candles are a traditional part of Buddhist ritual observances. Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices Along with incense and flowers, candles (or some other type of light source, such as butter lamps) are placed before Buddhist shrines or images of the Buddha as a show of respect. Incense is composed of Aromatic biotic materials It releases fragrant Smoke when burned They may also be accompanied by offerings of food and drink. The light of the candles is described as representing the light of the Buddha's teachings, echoing the metaphor of light used in various Buddhist scriptures. [1] See Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival for an example of a Buddhist festival that makes extensive use of candles. The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, the most elaborate of the traditional parading of candles to Wats (แห่เทียน Haetian) is held in Ubon
Hinduism
In almost all Hindu homes, lamps are lit daily before the altar of the Lord. Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. In some houses, the lamps, or candles, at dawn, and in some, twice a day - at dawn and dusk - and in a few, it is maintained continuously.
A diya, or clay lamp, is frequently used in Hindu celebrations and forms an integral part in many social rites. Deeya(Diya or deepam or deepak ( India) is a lamp made usually of clay with wick made of Cotton and dipped in Ghee It is a strong symbol of enlightenment and prosperity.
In its traditional and simplest form, the diya is made from baked clay or terracotta and holds oil or ghee that is lit via a cotton wick. Terra cotta ( Italian: "baked earth" is a Ceramic. Its uses include vessels water & waste water pipes and surface embellishment in Building construction Ghee ( Hindi घी ghī, Urdu گھی ghī, Punjabi ਘਿਉ/گھیو ghiu, Kashmiri ग्याव/گیاو
Traditional diyas have now evolved into a form wherein waxes are being used as replacements for oils. [2]
Christianity
In Christianity the candle is commonly used in worship both for decoration and ambience, and as a symbol that represent the light of God or, specifically, the light of Christ. Christianity ( Greek Χριστιανισμός from the word Xριστός ( Christ)is a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings This article refers to the religious act For the album by Michael W God is the principal or sole Deity in Religions and other belief systems that worship one deity. Christ is the English term for the Greek ( Khristós) meaning "the anointed " The altar candle is often placed on the altar, usually in pairs. Altar candles are candles set on or near Altars for religious ceremonies An altar is any structure upon which Sacrifices or other offerings are made for religious purposes or some other sacred place where ceremonies take place Candles are also carried in processions, especially to either side of the processional cross. A procession (via Middle English processioun, French procession, derived from Latin processio, itself from procedere, to go forth advance A Votive candle or taper may be lit as an accompaniment to prayer. A votive candle is a small typically white or beeswax yellow Candle, originally intended to be burnt as a Votive offering in a religious Ceremony Prayer is the act of attempting to communicate with a Deity or spirit
Candles are lit by worshippers in front of icons in Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Catholic and other churches. This article refers to the religious act For the album by Michael W An icon (from Greek εἰκών eikōn, "image" is a religious work of art most commonly a painting from Eastern Christianity. The Eastern Orthodox Church is the second largest single Christian Communion in the world Oriental Orthodoxy is the communion of Eastern Christian Churches that recognize only three Ecumenical councils — the First Council of Nicaea, the This article refers to Eastern Churches in full communion with the Holy See This is referred to as "offering a candle", because the candle is a symbol of the worshipper offering himself or herself to God (and proceeds from the sale of the candle are offerings by the faithful which go to help the church). Among the Eastern Orthodox, there are times when the entire congregation stands holding lit tapers, such as during the reading of the Matins Gospels on Good Friday, the Lamentations on Holy Saturday, funerals, Memorial services, etc. The Matins Gospel is the solemn chanting of a Lection from one of the Four Gospels during Matins in the Orthodox Church and those Eastern Good Friday, also called Holy Friday or Great Friday, is the Friday preceding Easter Sunday ("Pascha" Holy Saturday ( Latin: Sabbatum Sanctum) is the day after Good Friday. A funeral is a Ceremony marking a person's Death. Funerary customs comprise the complex of Beliefs and practices used by a Culture to remember The service In the Eastern Church, the various prayers for the departed have as their purpose to pray for the repose of the departed to comfort the living
In the Roman Catholic Church a liturgical candle must be made of at least 51% beeswax, the remainder may be parafin or some other substance. For the rock song by Nirvana see Beeswax (song. Beeswax is a natural Wax produced in the bee hive of Honey bees of the genus In the Orthodox Church, the tapers offered should be 100% beeswax, unless poverty makes this impossible. For this reason, the stumps from burned candles are usually saved and melted down to make new candles.
In some Western churches, a special candle known as the Paschal candle, specifically represents the Resurrected Christ and is lit only at Easter, funerals, and baptisms. Western Christianity is a term used to cover the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church, the Churches of the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran Church This article describes the Paschal candle of the Western Churches Within the body of Christian beliefs the resurrection of Jesus is a core event on which much of Christian doctrine and theology depend Easter ( Greek: Πάσχα Pascha or Pasxa) is the most important religious feast in the Christian Liturgical year. A funeral is a Ceremony marking a person's Death. Funerary customs comprise the complex of Beliefs and practices used by a Culture to remember In Christianity, baptism ( Greek, "immersing" "performing Ablutions " is the ritual act with the use of water by which one is admitted In the Eastern Orthodox Church, during Bright Week (Easter Week) the priest holds a special Paschal trikirion (tripple candlestick) and the deacon holds a large candle during all of the services at which they serve. Bright Week Lambri --> or Renewal Week is the name used by the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches of the Byzantine A priest or priestess is a person having the authority or power to administer religious rites in particular rites of sacrifice to and propitiation of a deity or deities Deacon's candle The Deacon also carries a special candle during the Paschal services Deacon is a role in the Christian Church that is generally associated with service of some kind but which varies among theological and denominational traditions
In Sweden (and other Scandinavian countries), St. Lucia Day is celebrated on December 13 with the crowning of a young girl with a wreath of candles. "Sverige" redirects here For other uses see Sweden (disambiguation and Sverige (disambiguation. Terminology and usage As a cultural term "Scandinavia" has no official definition and is subject to usage by those who identify with the culture in question as well This article is about the Catholic saint For other meanings see Saint Lucia (disambiguation Saint Lucy of Syracuse also known as Saint Lucia Events 1294 - Saint Celestine V abdicates the papacy after only five months Celestine hoped to return to his previous life A crown is the traditional Symbolic form of Headgear worn by a Monarch or by a Deity, for whom the crown traditionally represents power
- See also: Dikirion and trikirion
- See also: Altar candle
Judaism
In Judaism, a pair of candles are lit on Friday evening prior to the start of the weekly Sabbath celebration. Dikirion ( Greek: δικήριον and trikirion (τρικήριον are liturgical Candlesticks used by a Bishop of the Eastern Altar candles are candles set on or near Altars for religious ceremonies Judaism (from the Greek Ioudaïsmos, derived from the Hebrew יהודה Yehudah, " Judah " in Hebrew יַהֲדוּת Yahedut Shabbat or Shabbos ( Hebrew: שַׁבָּת, shabbāt, shabbes, "rest/inactivity" is the Weekly Sabbath On Saturday night, a special candle with several wicks is lit for the Havdalah ritual marking the end of the Sabbath and the beginning of the new week. Havdalah is a Jewish religious ceremony that marks the symbolic end of Shabbat and holidays and ushers in the new week
The eight-day holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by lighting a special candelabrum or Hanukkiyah each night to commemorate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Lists of holidays The words holiday or vacation have related meanings in different English-speaking countries and continents but will usually refer to one of Hanukkah (חנוכה alt Chanukah) also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the A candlestick, chamberstick, or single candelabrum is a holder for one or more Candles used for illumination rituals or decorative purposes Hanukkah Menorah ( Hebrew: מנורה menorah) (also חַנֻכִּיָּה Hanukiah, or Chanukkiyah, pl Etymology The Hebrew name given in Scripture for the building is Beit HaMikdash or "The Holy House" and only the Temple in Jerusalem is referred to by this name
A memorial candle is lit on the Yahrtzeit, or anniversary of the death of a loved one according to the Hebrew calendar. Bereavement in Judaism ( is a combination of Minhag (traditional custom and Mitzvot (good deeds or religious obligation derived from Judaism 's classical The Hebrew calendar (הלוח העברי ha'luach ha'ivri) or Jewish calendar is a Lunisolar calendar used by Jews for predominantly religious The candle burns for 24 hours. A memorial candle is also lit on Yom HaShoah, a day of remembrance for all those who perished in the Holocaust. Yom HaZikaron laShoah ve-laGvura (יום הזיכרון לשואה ולגבורה "Remembrance Day for the Holocaust and Heroism" known colloquially in Israel The Holocaust (from the Greek el ''ὁλόκαυστον'' (el-Latn holókauston holos, "completely" and kaustos, "burnt" also known as
Candles are also lit prior to the onset of the Three Festivals (Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot) and the eve of Yom Kippur. Sukkot ( also known as Succoth, Sukkos, Feast of Booths or Feast of Tabernacles) is a Biblical Pilgrimage Passover ( Hebrew, Yiddish: פֶּסַח Pesach, Tiberian: pɛsaħ Israeli: Pesah, Pesakh, Yiddish Shavuot (or Shavuos, in Ashkenazi usage Hebrew: שבועות, lit Yom Kippur (יוֹם כִּפּוּר ˈjɔm kiˈpur also known in English as the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn and important of the Jewish holidays Its
A candle is also used on the night before Passover in a symbolic search for chametz, or leavened bread, which is not eaten on Passover. Passover ( Hebrew, Yiddish: פֶּסַח Pesach, Tiberian: pɛsaħ Israeli: Pesah, Pesakh, Yiddish Chametz (חָמֵץ (also Chometz or Chumetz) refers to bread grains and leavened products that are not consumed on the Jewish holiday of Passover
Kwanzaa
The Candle is also used in celebrations of Kwanzaa, which is an African American holiday which runs from December 26 to January 1. Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday celebrated primarily in the United States, honoring African-American heritage African Americans or Black Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa Lists of holidays The words holiday or vacation have related meanings in different English-speaking countries and continents but will usually refer to one of Events 1481 - Battle of Westbrook - Holland defeats troops of Utrecht. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC The kinara: has three red, one black, three green.
Humanism
For some Humanists the candle is used as a symbol of the light of reason or rationality. See also philosophical Humanism For the Renaissance liberal arts movement see Renaissance humanism Humanism is Reason involves the ability to think understand and draw Conclusions in an Abstract way as in Human thinking Rationality as a term is related to the idea of Reason, a word which following Webster's may be derived as much from older terms referring to The Humanist festival of HumanLight often features a candle-lighting ceremony. HumanLight (sometimes Humanlight) is a Humanist winter holiday.
Unitarian Universalism
A common element of worship in many Unitarian Universalist churches and fellowships is the lighting of candles of joy and concern. Unitarian Universalism ( UUism) is a theologically liberal Religion characterized by its support for a "free and responsible search for truth Here members of the congregation may come up to the altar or chancel, light a votive or other candle, and share a personal concern or joy with the community. Unitarian Universalists also incorporate candle-lighting ceremonies from other spiritual traditions, from which they draw inspiration.
Wicca
In Wicca and related forms of Neopaganism, the candle is frequently used on the altar to represent the presence of the God and Goddess, and in the four corners of a ritual circle to represent the presence of the four classical elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Neopaganism or Neo-Paganism is an Umbrella term used to identify a wide variety of modern religious movements particularly those influenced by historical Many ancient philosophies used a set of archetypal classical "elements" to explain patterns in Nature. Fire has been an important part of many cultures and religions from pre-history to modern day and was vital to the development of civilization Earth, home and origin of humanity has often been worshipped in its own right with its own unique spiritual tradition In traditional cultures air is often seen as a universal power or pure substance Water has been important to all peoples of the earth and it is rich in spiritual tradition When used in this manner, lighting and extinguishing the candle marks the opening and closing of the ritual. The candle is also frequently used by Wiccans and other Neopagans for magical and meditative purposes. Magic, sometimes known as sorcery, is a Conceptual system that asserts human ability to control the natural world (including events objects people and Altar candles are traditionally thick tall candles which are available in many colours. Most popular though unless at certain sabbats, are the black and white altar candles.
Timekeeping
With the fairly consistent and measurable burning of a candle, a common use was to tell the time. For other uses see Time (disambiguation Time is a component of a measuring system used to sequence events to compare the durations of The candle designed for this purpose might have time measurements, usually in hours, marked along the wax. The Sung dynasty in China (960–1279) used candle-clocks. The Song Dynasty ( Wade-Giles: Sung Ch'ao was a ruling dynasty in China between 960&ndash1279 CE it succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms By the 18th century, candle-clocks were being made with weights set into the sides of the candle. As the candle melted, the weights fell off and made a noise as they fell into a bowl. A form of candle-clock was used in coal-mining until the 20th century.
In the days leading to Christmas some people burn a candle a set amount to represent each day, as marked on the candle. The type of candle used in this way is called the Advent candle, although this term is also used to refer to a candle that decorates an Advent wreath. Advent (from the Latin word la ''adventus'' meaning "coming" is a season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the Advent wreaths are a tradition used by Christians to mark the passage of the 4 weeks of Advent.
Raqs sharqi
In raqs sharqi, candles are used as a complementary element in some dance styles. Belly dance is a Western term for a traditional Middle Eastern Dance form The candles can be either be held on the dancer's hand or above her head, depending on what the choreography demands.
Fuel and candle holders
The candle can be made of paraffin (a byproduct of petroleum refining), stearin (now produced almost exclusively from palm waxes), beeswax (a byproduct of honey collection), gel (a mixture of resin and mineral oil), some plant waxes (generally palm, carnauba, bayberry, or soy), or tallow (rarely used since the introduction of affordable wax alternatives). In chemistry paraffin is the common name for the Alkane Hydrocarbons with the general formula C n H2 n +2 Petroleum ( L petroleum, from Greek πετρέλαιον, lit Stearin (ˈstiəɹɪn or /ˈstɪɹɪn/ is a glyceryl Ester of Stearic acid, derived from animal Fats created as a byproduct of processing Beef For the rock song by Nirvana see Beeswax (song. Beeswax is a natural Wax produced in the bee hive of Honey bees of the genus Honey is a sweet and Viscous fluid produced by Honey bees (and some other species and derived from the nectar of Flowers According to the A gel (from the lat gelu &mdashfreezing cold ice or gelatus &mdashfrozen immobile is an apparently solid jelly-like material formed from a Resin, not to be confused with Rosin, is a Hydrocarbon Secretion of many Plants particularly coniferous trees. Mineral oil or liquid Petroleum is a By-product in the Distillation of Petroleum to produce Gasoline and other petroleum Carnauba is a Wax derived from the leaves of the Carnauba palm ( Copernicia prunifera) a plant native to and grown only in the northeastern Brazilian Myrica is a genus of about 35-50 species of small Trees and Shrubs in the family Myricaceae order Fagales Tallow is a rendered form of Beef or Mutton Fat, processed from Suet. The candle is produced in various colors, shapes, sizes and scents. The most basic production method generally entails the liquification of the solid fuel by the controlled application of heat. This liquid is then poured into a mold to produce a pillar type candle, a fireproof jar to produce a candle container, or a wick is repeatedly immersed in the liquid to create a dipped taper. Often, fragrance oils are added to the liquid wax prior to pouring. Fragrance oil (s also known as aroma oils, aromatic oils, and flavor oils, are blended synthetic Aroma compounds or natural Essential Natural scents, in the form of essential oils, can also be used. An essential oil is a concentrated Hydrophobic Liquid containing volatile Aroma compounds from Plants They are also known as volatile The candle may also be colored by the addition of some sort of coloring agent. This is almost always an aniline-based dye, although pigments can be used in some circumstances. Aniline, phenylamine or aminobenzene is an Organic compound with the formula C6H7N
A candle typically produces about 13 lumens of visible light and 40 watts of heat, although this can vary depending primarily on the characteristics of the candle wick. The lumen (symbol lm) is the SI unit of Luminous flux, a measure of the perceived power of Light. In photometry, luminous flux or luminous power is the measure of the perceived power of Light. The watt (symbol W) is the SI derived unit of power, equal to one Joule of energy per Second. In Physics, heat, symbolized by Q, is Energy transferred from one body or system to another due to a difference in Temperature thumb|Close up photo of a candle wick A candle wick is a wick specifically adapted for use in a Candle. For comparison, note that a 40 watt incandescent light bulb produces approximately 500 lumens for the same amount of power. The incandescent light bulb, incandescent lamp or incandescent light globe is a source of electric Light that works by Incandescence, (a general The modern SI unit of luminous intensity, the candela, was based on an older unit called the candlepower, which represented the luminous intensity emitted by a candle made to particular specifications (a "standard candle"). In photometry, luminous intensity is a measure of the wavelength-weighted power emitted by a Light source in a particular direction per unit Solid The candela (kanˈdɛlə /-ˈdiːlə/ symbol cd) is the SI base unit of Luminous intensity; that is power emitted by a light source in a particular Candlepower (abbreviated as cp) is an obsolete scientific unit of Luminous intensity based on the light emitted from a Candle made to a specified formula The modern unit is defined in a more precise and repeatable way, but was chosen such that a candle's luminous intensity is still about one candela.
It is commonly believed that the candle made of beeswax burn more cleanly than petroleum based paraffin waxes. For the rock song by Nirvana see Beeswax (song. Beeswax is a natural Wax produced in the bee hive of Honey bees of the genus Petroleum ( L petroleum, from Greek πετρέλαιον, lit In chemistry paraffin is the common name for the Alkane Hydrocarbons with the general formula C n H2 n +2 However highly-refined paraffin wax can burn as or more cleanly (with regards to particulates created during combustion) than natural waxes. The type of wick and inclusion of any scents and/or dyes have a much greater impact on the release of compounds, particulates, and smoke, regardless of the base material. The cleanest burning candle will therefore be unscented, undyed, and a well constructed candle burning in a draft free area. Furthermore, a candle will function well when formulated waxes are blended together (soy, paraffin and other waxes) and fragrance oils along with wick selections are balanced properly.
A smoke film can be a concern to those who frequently burn a candle indoors and is also referred to as ghosting, carbon tracking, carbon tracing. A candlestick, chamberstick, or single candelabrum is a holder for one or more Candles used for illumination rituals or decorative purposes Smoke can be produced when a candle does not burn the wax fuel completely. A scented candle can be a source of candle smoke deposits. Trimming candle wicks to about 6 millimeters (¼ in) or shorter is recommended to keep smoking at a minimum. A flickering flame will produce more smoke, therefore a candle should be burned in an area free from drafts. (See [1] for more details. )
Additional debate on the use of wax in a candle exist on what is "natural". Proponents of the soy wax candle will note the material is biodegradable and "all natural". However, most soy beans that result in the ultimate manufacture of soy wax in the candle are genetically modified. Paraffin wax, as used in candle making, is also biodegradable. It also often meets the United States' Food and Drug Administration criteria for use in foods and in contact with food.
Decorative candle holders, especially those shaped as a pedestal, are called candlesticks; if multiple candle tapers are held, the term candelabrum is also used. A candlestick, chamberstick, or single candelabrum is a holder for one or more Candles used for illumination rituals or decorative purposes The root form of chandelier is from the word for candle, but now usually refers to an electric fixture. A chandelier is a branched decorative ceiling-mounted light fixture with two or more arms bearing lights The word chandelier is sometimes now used to describe a hanging fixture designed to hold multiple tapers.
Many candle holders use a friction-tight socket to keep the candle upright. In this case, a candle that is slightly too wide will not fit in the holder, and a candle that is slightly too narrow will wobble. Any candle that is too large can be trimmed to fit with a knife; a candle that is too small can be fitted with aluminum foil. Traditionally, the candle and candle holders were made in the same place, so they were appropriately sized, but international trade has combined the modern candle with existing holders, which makes the ill-fitting candle more common. This friction tight socket is only needed for the federals and the tapers. For tea light candles, there are a variety of candle holders, including small glass holders and elaborate multi candle stands. A tealight, or nightlight, is a Candle used in tea or food warmers or (because they last for many hours as a night light The same is true for votives. Wall sconces are available for tea light and votive candles. For pillar type candles, the assortment of candle holders is broad. A fireproof plate, such as a glass plate or small mirror, is a candle holder for a pillar style candle. A pedestal of any kind, with the appropriate sized fire proof top, is another option. A large glass bowl with a large flat bottom and tall mostly vertical curved sides is called a hurricane. The pillar style candle is placed at the bottom center of the hurricane. A hurricane on a pedestal is sometimes sold as a unit.
Hazards
The candle can be a major cause of dangerous fires in households. (An electric candle warmer can be used to release fragrance without the risk of an open flame. A candle warmer is an electric warmer that melts a candle to release its scent )
The liquid wax is hot and can cause skin burns, but the amount and temperature are generally rather limited and the burns are seldom serious. The best way to avoid getting burned from splashed wax is to use a candle snuffer instead of blowing on the flame. The modern meaning of candle snuffer is an instrument used to extinguish burning Candles This is accomplished by smothering the flame with a small metal cup that is suspended A candle snuffer is usually a small metal cup on the end of a long handle. When placed over the flame the oxygen supply is cut off. They were used daily when the candle was the main source of lighting a home, before electric lights were available.
Glass candle holders are sometimes cracked by thermal shock from the candle flame, particularly when the candle burns down to the end.
A former worry regarding the safety of candles was that a lead core was used in the wicks to keep them upright in container candles. Characteristics Lead has a dull luster and is a dense, Ductile, very soft highly Without a stiff core, the wicks of a container candle could sag and drown in the deep wax pool. Concerns rose that the lead in these wicks would vaporize during the burning process, releasing lead vapors — a known health and developmental hazard. Lead core wicks have not been common since the 1970s. Imported candles may still be found to have some lead core wicks. Today, most metal-cored wicks use zinc or a zinc alloy, which has become the industry standard. Zinc (ˈzɪŋk from Zink is a Metallic Chemical element with the symbol Zn and Atomic number 30 An alloy is a Solid solution or Homogeneous mixture of two or more elements, at least one of which is a Metal, which itself has Wicks made from specially treated paper and cotton are also available.
The hottest part of the flame is just above the very dull blue part to one side of the flame, at the base. At this point, the flame is at 1,400°C. [3]
See also
External links
- National Candle Association of the U.S.
- The Chemical History of a Candle by Michael Faraday
- A Candle Eastern Orthodox usage
References
Candle making was developed independently in many countries throughout history Michael Faraday, FRS ( September 22 1791 – August 25 1867) was an English Fire is the heat and light energy released during a Chemical reaction, in particular a combustion reaction. The Chemical History of a Candle was the title of a series of lectures on the Chemistry and Physics of Flames given by Michael Faraday A candle warmer is an electric warmer that melts a candle to release its scent A candle clock is a thin Candle with consistently spaced markings (usually with numbers that when burned indicate the passage of periods of time Candlepower (abbreviated as cp) is an obsolete scientific unit of Luminous intensity based on the light emitted from a Candle made to a specified formula The modern meaning of candle snuffer is an instrument used to extinguish burning Candles This is accomplished by smothering the flame with a small metal cup that is suspended A candlestick, chamberstick, or single candelabrum is a holder for one or more Candles used for illumination rituals or decorative purposes thumb|Close up photo of a candle wick A candle wick is a wick specifically adapted for use in a Candle. A rushlight is a type of Candle formed using the dried Pith of the rush plant as its wick A tealight, or nightlight, is a Candle used in tea or food warmers or (because they last for many hours as a night light Candle Night is an international celebration usually held during the summer solstice or winter solstice. The lighting of a unity Candle is a relatively recent addition to the traditional Wedding ceremony most popular in the United States. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the
Dictionary
candle
-noun
- A light source consisting of a wick embedded in a solid, flammable substance such as wax, tallow, or paraffin.
- The protruding, removable portion of a filter, particularly a water filter.
- (obsolete) A unit of luminous intensity, now replaced by the SI unit candela.
- (forestry) a fast growing, light colored, upward-growing shoot on a pine tree in the spring. As growth slows in summer, the shoot darkens and is no longer highlighted to one’s view.