Candles were created by our ancestors centuries ago, not for decoration or fragrance, but simply to provide light in their homes. Those candles were neither fancy nor scented; they performed a basic function and met an essential need. They were just simple wax creations used to provide the simple purpose of illumination.

Many different civilizations from all over the world developed different types of candles. These early candles were as varied as were the people that fashioned them, and their materials varied according to the environment that they were developed in. 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, although beeswax was also popular with the higher members of society who could afford it.

Shortly after, candle making transformed into 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, a concentrate of petroleum oil, was accepted as the foremost base for candles during the 19th century. After the 19th century, candle-making became a mechanized industry, which allowed candles to be mass-produced 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 were widely adopted as an important component in various religious rites, but they no longer played a major role in homes. People still relied on candles in case of power outages and used them in times of celebration.

The role of the candle as an accessory in American homes started during the 1980s. It became fashionable to decorate with candles. Candle makers began producing a motley array of candles, developing candles in a great variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. Fragrance became a critical factor in a candle's allure, thus creating a whole new ?flavor?.

Today, the popularity of candles continues to escalate, with established stores in shopping malls and even on the Internet offering a huge selection of candles for customers. An estimated 70% of homes in the United States use candles as part of their home d'cor, and they have also been accepted as a fashionable gift idea for both men and women. Candles are now one of the top choices if you want to add some delightful charm to your home or an aromatic means of stress-reduction from a hard day's work. The modern candle today is hardly recognizable from its simple origin as a basic necessity.

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