Candle Day Date in the current year: December 7, 2024

Candles are one of the oldest source of light and heat known to humanity. A candle consists of an ignitable wick surrounded by beeswax, tallow, stearin, paraffin wax, or another flammable solid substance which acts as fuel.

The history of candle making dates back to antiquity. There is evidence that Ancient Romans made dipped candles from tallow around 500 BC. However, those candles were primarily used for religious purposes, while oil lamps were the most widely used source of light. It is also known that the Chinese made candles from whale fat around 200 BC.

In medieval Europe, candles were typically made from the tallow left over from cooking because it was cheap and widely available. Beeswax candles existed too, but they were significantly more expensive than tallow candles and therefore primarily used for church ceremonies. In the Middle East, on the other hand, beeswax candles were much more common. In the 18th century, chandlers started to use spermaceti and rapeseed oil to make candles.

The modern era of candle-making began in the mid-19th century thanks to the invention of a candle-making machine that made mass manufacture of candles possible and the creation of paraffin wax. After the invention of electric lightning, the use of candles for illumination declined rapidly. In developed countries today, candles are used mainly for emergency lighting during blackouts, for ritual or religious purposes, for their aesthetic value (to create a cozy or romantic atmosphere), and for their scent.

Scented candles can be made from paraffin wax, beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, and any other wax historically used in candle-making. They can be scented with essential oils and synthetic fragrances; most candles contain a combination of natural and synthetic fragrances. They emit a pleasing scent as they burn, helping to get rid of unpleasant smells and boost the mood.

Candle Day was created in 2013 by Bath & Body Works, an American retail store chain specializing in candles, fragrances, lotions, and soaps. Every year, just in time for the holidays, Bath & Body Works holds its annual candle sale, and the first day of the sale has been designated as Candle Day. On this day, many stores open early in the morning and offer extended hours so that everyone can stock up on their favorite candles.

Although Candle Day originated as a marketing stunt to promote Bath & Body Works and its candles, it has since taken on a life of its own. A lot of people celebrate it by buying scented candles elsewhere, giving candles to their friends, or simply lighting a candle for some comfort, warmth and lovely scent. You can even try to make your own scented candles – there are special candle-making kits for beginners that have everything you need to make deliciously fragrant candles.