SWETHA IYER - History of Design : History of Scented Candles (Aromatherapy)
HISTORY OF SCENTED CANDLES (AROMATHERAPY)
Need a calming self-care session after a hectic stressful day at work? All you need is Aromatherapy using Scented Candles!
Normally Scented Candles are used for Aromatherapy (ps. there are other options than scented candles which can be used in aromatherapy like essential oils, and more) to help the body and senses. The human body is quite sensitive to various scents. When exposed to a certain odor, the brain reacts and changes its moods and in some cases, physical changes in a person can get underway.
Scented Candle
Bath & Body Works,
Sun Drenched Linen
HISTORY OF AROMATHERAPY
Benefits of Scented Candles History of Aromatherapy Dating as far back as 6000 years ago, it was the Egyptians who first used aromatic oils during baths and massages. It was also a chief method used for the embalming process(the process of preserving a corpse from decay).
Nowadays, Aromatherapy has become an alternative for many. Certain scents are said to help with various emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual states including mental clarity and creating a relaxing mood. It's even great for those who have insomnia and want to get a good night's sleep.
Essential Oil used in Aromatherapy
https://www.trinitynaturalhc.com/online-store/Aromatherapy-c36102989
Extracts of Flower Essence used in Aromatherapy
https://www.trinitynaturalhc.com/online-store/Aromatherapy-c36102989
Storyville Scented Candle New Orleans History Jasmine-
https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/449385362/
HISTORY OF SCENTED CANDLES
One can find Scented Candles in almost every person's home these days. While their use can form part of a daily relaxation in many houses, the reasons why candles are used now are very different from when they were first invented. Earlier on, candles were mainly used as a source of light after sunsets, or in prayers. These days, their use is much more flexile, revolving around celebrations, romance, relaxation, home decoration, and much more.
The history of scented candles, as well as aromatherapy, is quite captivating. Initially, people were more focused on lighting up their homes and other places but did not even think of using candles as a way to add fragrance to a room. Over the years, with more discoveries, people came up with the idea, the design of scented candles, and now, they're popular all around the world.
Aubert & Amandine CALM Aromatherapy Scented Candle
https://www.petagadget.com/gadget/aubert-amandine-calm-aromatherapy-scented-candle/
Bath & Body Works
Scented Candle used in Aromatherapy
THE ORIGIN OF CANDLES
While there is no exact date or location that we can pinpoint as being the origin of candle making, what is clear is that many different civilizations have been creating their versions of candles for 5,000 to 6,000 years or more.
London 1888, Scented Candle, Jack the Ripper
https://www.etsy.com/listing/256306234/london-1888-scented-candle-jack-the
History of candles
https://www.historyandwomen.com/2010/06/history-of-candles.html
THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS & THE FIRST CANDLES
Dating as far back as 3,000 BC the ancient Egyptians made candles from a combination of animal fat and reeds. Albeit the reed wasn't a true wick as we know them today, the concept still worked the same way with the animal fat fueling the reed's flame.
Ancient Egyptian Candles
https://www.pinterest.jp/pin/444589794443711761/
THE ROMANS & THE FIRST WICK CANDLES
Around 500 BC the Romans made candles by dipping rolled papyrus (made from the pith of the papyrus plant) repeatedly into melted tallow (made from melted beef or mutton fat) or beeswax to form what's generally considered to be the first wick candles.
Renaissance, Scented Candle
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/569142471661837459/
OTHER CIVILIZATIONS
There's evidence to show that around the world other civilizations were also using wicked candles. The Chinese made wicks from rolled rice paper and their wax from a combination of insects and seeds or alternatively whale fat.
The Japanese made their candles from wax extracted from nuts and in India, they made theirs from boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree. These were probably the first candles to give off a pleasant smell when burning as compared to the other widely used methods of making candle wax.
Chinese Candles
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Chinese-Traditional-Candles-Paraffin-Wax-Dragon-Phoenix-General-Candle-for-Mariage-Wedding-Decoration-Wax-Strips-ZA3009/32806000040.html
https://www.remodelista.com/products/japanese-candle-set-nanao/
Indian Candles
https://isorepublic.com/photo/indian-candles/
THE MIDDLE AGES
By the middle ages, with the collapse of the Roman Empire and the resulting lack of olive oil available to fuel oil lamps, the use of candles as a source of light across Europe was commonplace. Tallow was the standard material used by Europeans to make candles. Unfortunately, being an animal byproduct the smell of the tallow candles being manufactured and burned was rancid. So much so that tallow candle manufacturing was banned across many European cities. It was at this point that beeswax was adopted by Europe as a better alternative, that didn't harness the same unpleasant odors. However, beeswax candles were expensive to produce and as a result were only available to the wealthy, churches, and royalty.
Napoleon Scented Candle French History Eau de Cologne
https://www.etsy.com/listing/740372238/napoleon-scented-candle-french-history
THE ARRIVAL OF SCENTED CANDLES
Candles remained popular right up until 1879 when the first light bulb was invented and other more modern methods of lighting took precedence. It was at this point that candles came to be viewed as a decorative items instead of purely functional. Candles of all different shapes, sizes, and colors were suddenly available and the first scented candles were marketed to the public. By the mid-1980 candles were firmly established as great mood enhancers, gifts, and decorative items.
Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy
Eucalyptus + Tea
https://www.beautyspot.my/products/bath-and-body-works-aromatherapy-single-wick-candle-black-chamomile-relax
CONCLUSION
The popularity of candles throughout the ages and across civilizations has been consistent. The joy of watching a flickering candle burn is synonymous with a sense of comfort and relaxation that is deeply burned into our shared psyche. Even though the demand for candles took a dip in the middle, they're back in demand even more than ever.
Scented candles are definitely helpful when it comes to relieving stress and a variety of aliments. When trying out Aromatherapy for the first time, there are plenty of different candles infused with essential oils up for grabs at local shops or even online. All we have to do is look for the right one and make sure to properly extinguish the flame right in time once done.
Aromatherapy using Scented candles
https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/aromatherapy/history-of-aromatherapy.htm
History of Aromatherapy
https://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/facts-about-hong-kong.html
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