Wax originally came from the production of spermaceti wax, derived from the head oil of sperm whales. This new wax burned brighter and cleaner than tallow, making it a popular choice for candles.
In the 19th century, paraffin wax was developed as an alternative to
spermaceti. Paraffin is made by refining petroleum and has since become
the most commonly used candle wax in the world due to its low cost and versatility.
Today’s Use
Candles are still widely used today for their aesthetic appeal or practical purposes such as power outages or religious ceremonies. With advancements in technology, there have been developments in eco-friendly waxes like soybean-based ones that burn cleanly without emitting harmful chemicals into the air.
So next time you light up your favorite scented candle at home,
remember where this ancient tradition began – with animal fats,
beeswax from insects or even extracts from tree nuts! And don’t forget those hashtags: #candlewaxhistory #ancienttraditions