Since Ancient times, humankind has relied on many forms of portable light. Egyptian reliefs dating back to 3,000 B.C. are the first examples showing the use of candles. Archaeologists have found candlesticks from the Minoan civilization on the isle of Crete that date back to 2,500 B.C.. Candles are mentioned in the Bible when Moses was commanded to make golden candlesticks. Many early Greek and Roman candles were made of flax thread coated with wax and pitch, while in other cultures candles were made of palm oil, coconut oil, beeswax and olive oil. Throughout the Dark Ages and Middle Ages, candles were considered to be one of the great necessities of life. The first dipped candles were made of tallow, or animal fat. Smoky, occasionally foul smelling, but functional, these candles produced plenty of light to see by and allowed the day's activities to continue after sundown. In England, bayberry wax was refined for use in making candles. Not until the early 1800's was paraffin made to replace tallow as the main ingredient for candlemaking. By the mid-to-late 1800's, gas lights and then electricity replaced the candle as an important source of light, but the candle's significance has remained intact for ceremonies and special occasions. If you light a candle in a dark room, you might be amazed at the amount of light that it produces. Candle light is bright, illuminating and warm -- very different from the steady, slow flicker of the incandescent light bulb that we've become accustomed to. In many cultures and religions, candles still play an indispensable role. Among Buddhists, the candle represents the bright light that burns away ignorance. Among Christians, the candle is an offering to the soul of the departed. Candlelight vigils and marches have become a symbol of solidarity and compassion in the latter half of the 20th Century. With the advent of increasingly more sophisticated means of lighting, the candle must be carried into the next millennium. The act of lighting a candle should not be reserved for ceremonies. Candles should not be used so sparingly. Instead of turning on a light tonight, consider lighting a candle. The light of the candle will slow down your pace, relax your mind and regulate your breathing. If you are interested in finding quality candles, go to www.wicksend.com or check out our sentimental favorite,Waxman Candles, at www.waxmancandles.com--Waxman is located in the true heartland: Lawrence, Kansas (home of the University of Kansas).   | Home | Cultural | Environmental | Musical | Ordinary | | Contact Us | About the Authors | © Copyright 2007 fiftythings