Candle is an object made of wax or a similar material that is burned to give light. When a candle is lighted, wax melted by the flame is drawn up an embedded wick made of cotton, paper, or a combination of the two. This liquid wax burns, producing light. Candles are made in many colors, scents, shapes, and sizes.
Candles have been used since prehistoric times. They have been made of many substances, including bayberry wax, beeswax, paraffin, spermaceti, stearin, and tallow. Candles are made by hand by (1) dipping the wick repeatedly into liquid wax, (2) pouring liquid wax into a mold that contains a suspended wick, or (3) rolling sheets of softened wax around the wick. Candle manufacturers use machines that produce several dozen to several hundred candles at a time.
Before electric lighting became common in the early 1900’s, people used candles as one source of artificial light. Today, candles are used for such purposes as birthday celebrations, holiday and home decorations, and religious services. Many people enjoy candle making as a hobby.
