In the old days, people primarily made candles using simple methods involving wicks and flammable materials, with rendered animal fat, known as tallow, being a very common substance.
Early candle making was a practical process that utilized readily available materials to provide light. The methods were straightforward and effective for their time.
Early Candle Making Methods
Based on historical practices, candle creation often involved two primary approaches:
Wick in Container Method
- These early candles were made by wicks stuck into containers filled with a flammable material. This simple method allowed for easy creation using basic household items.
Dipped Candle Method
- The first dipped candles, a more refined technique, were notably made by the Romans.
- This method involved repeatedly dipping a wick into a melted flammable substance.
- The substance used by the Romans was rendered animal fat called tallow.
Primary Material Used
For centuries, the most widely used material for making candles was tallow.
- Tallow was the preferred choice because it was cheap and easily available, making it accessible for most people needing light.
- Its prevalence meant that tallow candles were the most widely used types of candles for centuries.
These methods, particularly the use of tallow, were the standard for candle production for a significant period before the advent of other materials like beeswax or paraffin wax became more common.
