Different types of civilizations made different kinds of candles. These early candles were as varied as were the people that fashioned them, and the environment that they were created in directly affected their formation. Each unique culture developed their own candles and used whatever indigenous resources and materials were available to them. As exploration and worldwide travel increased, which resulted in different cultures communicating and trading with each other, the base materials for candle-making became more and more standardized. Tallow became more commonly used, and beeswax became popular with members of higher society whom were capable of affording it.

Shortly after, candle-making became a profession, with ?chandlers? going from house to house making candles for people. He would use the resident's own tallow or beeswax, and the chandler just dipped wicks into the molds to form candles. Many of these chandlers also opened and maintained the first shops that sold candles. Candle molds soon became more developed, and paraffin slowly but surely began to replace tallow as the foremost base for candle-making. After the 19th century, candle-making became a mechanized industry, making candles mass-producible and affordable to the general public. This also resulted in more candles being bought from shops that they were being made at home.

When modern electrical lighting systems were developed, the role of candles as the main sources of light diminished. Candles continued to serve an essential function in religious services and rites, but they no longer played a major role in homes. People didn't abandon the candle altogether, though, since they were relied upon during power failures and on many occasions and celebrations.

The role of the candle as an accessory in American homes started during the 1980s. Suddenly it became quite the rage for homes to use candles in home d'cor. A huge variety of candles in all sorts of shapes, colors, and sizes began appearing in candle shops and department stores everywhere. The candle's fragrance also became a critical ingredient in making and selling them, and the candle acquired a whole new ?flavor?.

Candles today have become more popular than ever, with established stores in shopping malls and even on the Internet offering a huge selection of candles for customers. They've become an important aspect of d'cor in more than 70% of all American homes, and they have also been accepted as a fashionable gift idea for both men and women. Candles are now one of the top choices for being an inexpensive way to add charm to the home or an aromatic means of stress-reduction in an increasingly hectic world. The modern candle today is hardly recognizable from its simple origin as a basic necessity.

----------