Candles have been an essential part of life for thousands of years, a vital source of light before the arrival of electricity. With a long and rich history, candles have evolved into objects of enjoyment and relaxation rather than just practicality. 

Early Origins

The earliest forms of candles can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Rome, but it is unclear where and when candles were first used. These ‘candles’ would not have looked anything like the candles we have today, they would use reeds or other plant materials dipped in melted animal fat, also known as tallow.

Middle Ages

The earliest known use of the verb candle was in the late 1600’s, through the writings of poet and politician, Andrew Marvell. Candles made with tallow did have drawbacks, when burning they would produce a lot of smoke, and they also had a very unpleasant scent. Beeswax candles were widely used in the church, but they were a lot more expensive so most people in Medieval Europe, unless wealthy, could not afford to burn them. Beeswax candles would burn a lot more cleanly with no smoky flame and unpleasant odor. By the time the 13th century arrived candle making had developed into a craft, and candlemakers (chandlers) and their shops became a common sight in towns and cities.

18th Century

The growth of the whaling industry in the 18th century led to a new discovery. Spermaceti is a waxy substance produced by an organ in the head of Sperm whales. When burned it produced a slightly brighter light, lasted longer and like beeswax it did not have an unpleasant scent when burning. Later in the century, rapeseed oil became a very popular choice for candlemakers as it was a much cheaper alternative to spermaceti.

19th Century

The 19th century would see several major developments in candle making. In 1825, two French chemists Michel Eugene Chevreul and Joseph Louis Gay-Loussac collaborated and created stearin wax. Stearic acid is a fatty acid found in many animal and vegetable fats and Michel discovered how to extract it. Stearin wax was more durable, would burn cleanly and brighter.

In 1834, an English inventor called Joseph Morgan revolutionized the way candles were made. He patented a machine that would allow continuous production of molded candles, once the candles were solid a cylinder with a movable piston would eject them. This allowed for a huge increase in the numbers of candles being made, making it a more affordable item to purchase.

In the 1850’s James Young successfully distilled paraffin wax. Of all the various types of fuel for candles that were available, this was the most economical to produce. Paraffin wax and stearic acid were the two main choices when it came to manufacturing candles towards the end of the 19th century. The invention of the incandescent electric lightbulb in 1879 dealt a huge blow to the candle making industry, changing how we use candles forever.

Candles in the Modern World

Candles have gone from being a necessity to being an object that is associated with self-care, decoration, spirituality, romance and meditation. In the 21st century, a new candle fuel was discovered using soybeans. The beans go through a refining process that turns them into oil and then eventually wax. The natural, plant-based wax has become a popular sustainable alternative to the paraffin candles that have been in use for centuries.

As well as being all natural, there are a few other benefits to using a soy candle over paraffin:

Longer burn time

Longer lasting scent

Produces little to no soot

Hebridean Aura & Dreams Candles

Our soya wax hand-poured candles contain natural ingredients and signature ishga scents to provide moments of bliss in your own home. Both contain 40 hours of burn time and a deep sense of relaxation.

Our Hebridean Aura Candle is inspired by our wild and beautiful Hebridean landscape, the aroma of this luxurious natural candle is a blend of red mandarin, rose geranium and patchouli essential oils.

Our Hebridean Dreams Candle will transport you to a realm of relaxation. This luxurious, organic candle is inspired by the ishga organic skincare range. Our signature oils of lavender, rose geranium, juniper berry and lemongrass soothe the senses and provide a blissful sense of peace.