Ignite curiosity with 15 must-know candle secrets: space flames, mood-boosting scents, and ancient timekeepers. Light up your world with intriguing candle lore.
Candles are full of surprises. And as lovers of all things candle-related, we just had to share these quick and weird candle facts with you. For instance, have you ever wondered what a candle might look like in outer space?
Whether you're a seasoned candle enthusiast or simply enjoy the occasional candlelit moment, these tidbits will add a new layer of appreciation to your next candle-lit experience.
13 Fascinating Candle Facts You Need To Know
We parsed through all the candle-related knowledge floating around our brains and settled on these nuggets of wisdom.
Here are the most interesting candle facts everyone should know.
1. In space, a candle's flame is round and blue due to the absence of gravity.
In the vacuum of space, where there is no gravity, a candle's flame behaves differently than on Earth.
Instead of the familiar teardrop shape and yellow color, the flame forms a perfect blue sphere. This phenomenon occurs because gravity doesn't pull the hot air and combustion products upward, causing the flame to take on this distinctive shape and color.
2. Specific candle scents are known to influence mood and stress levels.
Certain candle scents have been scientifically proven to impact our emotions and stress levels.
For example, lavender is known for its calming properties, making it an excellent choice for relaxation. Citrus scents like lemon and orange can boost mood and energy, while eucalyptus can help clear the mind and relieve stress.
3. Historically, candles were used not only for light but also as time-keeping devices, with lines indicating hours.
Before the widespread use of clocks, candles served a dual purpose as both a light source and a timekeeping tool.
Many candles were crafted with markings or lines along their length, indicating the passage of hours. People could estimate the time by observing how far down the candle had burned.
4. Ceromancy is the practice of interpreting the way candle wax melts and flows to predict future events.
Ceromancy is an ancient divination practice where individuals interpret the shapes and patterns formed by melted candle wax.
In Ceromancy, the way the wax drips and solidifies is seen as symbolic and used to make predictions about the future or gain insights into one's current situation.
5. Candles date back to ancient times, first made from natural fats and waxes as early as 200 BC.
The history of candles is rich and ancient. They were first crafted from materials like tallow (animal fat) and beeswax in civilizations dating back to 165 BC. These early candles provided light and warmth in the absence of modern lighting.
6. The 19th century saw the rise of paraffin wax, a petroleum by-product.
In the 19th century, paraffin wax became a popular choice for candle making due to its affordability. However, it is a by-product of petroleum refinement, making it less environmentally friendly than natural alternatives like beeswax or soy wax.
7. Soy candles are known for burning cleaner, lasting longer, and being 100% vegan, unlike paraffin candles.
Soy candles have gained popularity due to their cleaner burning properties. They produce less soot and release fewer toxins into the air compared to paraffin candles.
Additionally, soy candles are a sustainable choice as they are made from a renewable resource and are suitable for vegans.
8. Emergency room visits related to candles often involve burns or fires caused by careless usage.
Unfortunately, candles can pose safety hazards if not used carefully.
Emergency room visits related to candles frequently involve accidents such as burns or fires caused by leaving candles unattended, placing them too close to flammable materials, or using damaged candleholders.
9. An average of 23 house fires are caused by candles every day in the U.S.
Candle-related fires are more common than one might think. On average, there are approximately 23 house fires daily in the United States that can be attributed to the misuse or mishandling of candles. These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of candle safety.
10. Some large commercial candle stores may use less-than-ideal ingredients, including potentially toxic chemicals.
While many commercial candle stores offer a wide variety of scents and styles, some may use ingredients that are toxic to your health. It's essential to be aware of the quality and composition of the candles you purchase, especially if you have sensitivities or health concerns.
11. Before the 20th century, some of the finest candles were made from spermaceti, a substance found in sperm whales.
Spermaceti, a waxy substance found in the head cavities of sperm whales, was highly prized for candle making. It had a clean-burning quality that made it superior to other materials of the time. However, its use raised environmental and ethical concerns, leading to the exploration of alternative materials.
12. In 13th century Europe, candle making became a guild craft with chandlers selling candles from shops.
During the Middle Ages, candle making evolved into a specialized craft.
Chandlers, skilled candle makers, formed guilds and began selling their candles from dedicated shops. This marked the transition from homemade candles to professionally crafted ones.
13. In some cultures, it's considered bad luck to light a candle from another candle or to blow out and immediately relight a candle.
Candle traditions vary across cultures, and in some, it's believed to be bad luck to light one candle from another or to blow out a candle and relight it immediately. These customs add an element of superstition to the act of candle lighting.
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Whether you're lighting a candle for relaxation or celebration, you'll now have a deeper appreciation for the magic it brings to your space. Explore our collection of vegan soy candles and light up to your heart’s content.
