Atmosphere and ambiance are created with candles. The romantic scenario is easily imagined from movies—the candlelight dinner, the wine glasses tinkling in a toast, the lovely smiles of the lovers. They look into each other's eyes and romance is born or it grows. The music is softened then it swells in response to the kiss.

The atmosphere for a Halloween party is set with candles in candelabras and spooky ghoulish candles. A scary movie night with friends is enhanced with low candlelight. The movie may involve a candle going out at a critical moment when the main character is at her wits end or is diligently trying to sneak away from the spooky house by candlelight. This particular scene is a maneuver of classic horror films of the forties and fifties.

The Thanksgiving spirit is also lit by tapered candles on the dinner table, where roasted or baked turkey or glazed ham, corn bread dressing or oyster dressing, congealed salads, potato salad, gravy, mash potatoes, sweet potato casserole and other delectable morsels are piled on the table.

Christmas mantels, and Christmas tables are traditionally adorned with tapered candles. Before tree lights were invented, candles were placed on the tree for the warm glow and light they provided to the merry festivities.

What would a birthday cake be without the birthday candles or one large candle in the center? Trick birthday candles that can't be blown out are the joy of pranksters. Half of the fun is blowing out the candles when you are kid, whether a little kid or a grown kid. People clap when the birthday boy or girl blows out their candles and that is part of the kick, people like to hear applause directed at them. Tiny tykes even clap for themselves and smile, jubilantly looking back at the party crowd.

Candles have been employed in ceremonies in churches and temples for thousands of years and Catholics lit a candle in a quiet church, when the church is almost empty, and only a few of the faithful are there kneeling in prayer, and they say a prayer after they have lit the small candle.

The most utilitarian reason for candles, which people have taken advantage of all over the world until the invention of the electric light is lighting their home. Providing the ability to see at night is the most basic use of the important invention. It has kept people from bungling in the dark for centuries.

When storms cause the electricity to go off or there is a blackout or brownout some people still use candles to light their way. Candles have been used as metaphors for lighting one's path in literature, music, and film. They have been used as a metaphor for dying—snuffing someone's life out. Even imaginary candles like these have served great purposes. The humble candle is still used today for many purposes. It is used to add flavor to décor and make the home smell pleasant.