On the first look candle is a thing made of wax used to provide light and temperature, but in reality a candle mean a more. From cultural to scientific significance the importance of candles are remarkably great. The candles has been an important part of Christianity, and even scientific studies has been conducted on candles.

A person who makes a candle is commonly called as a chandler, but there are also natural candles. A candle production is nothing much difficult, today simple handles are also made at home by many people. For every handle a wick provided, which when illuminated with a heat source will produce light. Naked flame is the most common heat source used, and this will make the wick melt slowly to vaporize a small amount of fuel. This vaporized fuel is what make the constant flame by combining with oxygen. A candle is also used as a heat source and time calculator rather than just a source of light.

When going to the past, it is said that the first candles are made by Chinese people in 200BC. And at first fat extracted from whales are used for the production of candles, which when slowly changed in to wax. Now most candle manufactures use only wax for the production.

At first candles where only seen long and in slender, shape now there are candles in lot of shapes and sizes. The few main candle types are:

Taper candles; these are slender candles with a specified height of 6 to 16 inches. Candles holders are used to hold these candles. Pillar candles; these are fat candles with a larger diameter. These don’t need a pillar to stand straight, and can self-stand.

Containers or jar candles; in this type the candle will be manufactured inside a container. Mostly the containers will be commonly fragranced. Mason jar candles are an example of such types. Votive candles; these are candles specially used in Christian churches. These are designed in common dimensions, and re kept in special holders. Luminaries; these are like lanterns, in which candles are used to produce light. Gel candles; these are candles with special themes, mainly used for decorative purposes.

These are the main types of candles used today.

Candles has great significance in human evolution. Before the invention of electric light candles where the only source of light for human kind. From the ancient time itself candles were a good part of many religions including Christianity and Buddhism. Candle use is today seen more than religion. In most parts of the globe, candles are used to provide romantic ambience, and birthday parties are rare seen without birthday candles. In total with its historical and scientific significance and popular usage a candle is more than just a piece of wax.