The History Of Scented Candles

Scented candles have a long and diverse history, dating back thousands of years across various cultures. Here’s an overview of their development:

Ancient Civilizations

1. Ancient Egypt (3000 BCE)
   • Egyptians were among the first to use scented candles, primarily for religious ceremonies and to mask unpleasant odors. They used a type of wax made from beeswax or tallow and added aromatic resins and oils like myrrh and frankincense.
2. Ancient Rome (500 BCE)
   • Romans also used candles for illumination and religious rituals. They created candles from tallow and added scents from various herbs and spices.
3. Ancient China and Japan (200 BCE)
   • In China and Japan, early candles were made from whale fat. The Chinese are credited with using insect wax from cocooned insects and adding essential oils for fragrance.

Middle Ages

1. Europe
   • During the Middle Ages, beeswax candles became popular in Europe, especially in churches and homes of the wealthy, due to their cleaner burn and pleasant scent compared to tallow candles.
   • Candles were often scented with herbs and spices, like bayberry and cinnamon, to improve the indoor environment.

Renaissance to the 18th Century

1. Colonial America
   • Early American settlers made bayberry candles by boiling the berries of the bayberry shrub. This process produced a fragrant wax that burned cleanly.
   • As whale hunting became prevalent, spermaceti (a waxy substance found in the head cavities of sperm whales) candles were produced, known for their brightness and lack of smoke and odor.

19th Century

1. Industrial Revolution
   • The development of stearin wax from animal fats and paraffin wax from petroleum significantly impacted the candle industry. Both types of wax were cheaper and burned more consistently.
   • During this period, scented candles became more accessible to the general public, and various fragrances were introduced.

20th Century to Present

1. Mid-20th Century
   • The popularity of scented candles surged in the mid-20th century as people sought ways to create pleasant home environments.
   • Advances in fragrance technology allowed for a wide variety of synthetic and natural scents to be added to candles.
2. Late 20th Century to Early 21st Century
   • Scented candles became a significant part of the home décor and aromatherapy markets.
   • The rise of artisanal candle makers and DIY culture led to a boom in handcrafted and customized scented candles.
   • Environmental concerns brought attention to the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials in candle making, such as soy wax, coconut wax, and essential oils.

Modern Trends

1. Diversity in Scents
   • Modern scented candles offer an extensive range of fragrances, from traditional floral and herbal scents to exotic and unique blends like oud, leather, and gourmand scents.
2. Health and Wellness
   • Scented candles are now often marketed for their aromatherapeutic benefits, with specific scents claimed to promote relaxation, focus, or energy.
3. Sustainability
   • There is a growing trend towards using natural and eco-friendly materials, such as beeswax, soy wax, and essential oils, in response to increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues.

In summary, scented candles have evolved from simple functional items to complex products enjoyed for their aesthetic, therapeutic and environmental benefits. The history of scented candles reflects broader changes in technology, culture and consumer preferences.