It’s all about candles.
Despite the invention of fluorescent lamp by Thomas Edison in 1896, it didn’t put an end to the role of candle in giving light to the world. Even with the advancements and discoveries of new light power sources and electricity, there is still a demand for candles. In some parts of Africa, candle is still their primary source of light. Churches continue to use candles in prayer ceremonies and rituals. And birthday cakes are more appealing with lighted candles on top of them.
Candles come in different shapes, sizes, colours and scents. They can be made of paraffin (petroleum based) or from natural resources like beeswax (a byproduct of honey collection), soy wax (plant waxes), stearin (palm wax), gel (a mixture of resin and mineral oil), tallow and spermaceti (oil produced from sperm whale).
What is a candle then?
A candle is a solid block of fuel (commonly wax) and an embedded wick, which is lit to provide light, and sometimes heat. The earliest known candles originated in China around 200 BC. (from Wikipedia)
Candles available in the market:
TAPER CANDLES - candles in long conical thin shapes and are commonly used in household during power outage. The sample photo in particular are candles made from natural beeswax manufactured by Ochre and Ocre Naturals. According to them, these candles burns smokeless and sootless and burns slowly. Candles from beeswax burns more cleanly and release fewer chemicals than petroleum based candles.
TEALIGHT CANDLES - Tealight candles are small candles, molded in round shape, that come in metal casings which enclose the wax as the candle burns. The wick of the candle is frequently anchored to the bottom of the cup, because as the candle burns, the wax turns to liquid, and the wick could potentially float up through the liquid. Most tealight candles burn for three to five hours, depending on the quality of the wax and wick and their size.
The tealights below are made from soy wax, which is hydrogenated soybean oil, and a cheaper alternative from beeswax, usually mixed with fragrances to produced scented candles. Soy candle was invented by Michael Richards in 1992.
PILLAR CANDLES - candles which are extremely wide and tends to be fairly tall, they burned for an extended period of time, since they have more wax available to fuel the flame. They are most commonly square or round or can be custom shapes for special events. They can be used with or without candle holders.
VOTIVE CANDLES - are small cylindrical candles about 2.5 inches (6cm) in height and 1.5 inches (4cm) in diameter. They melt into oil when lit, which requires them to be burned in small glasses or cups made for this purpose. Traditionally, votive candles were white and unscented, associated with religious ceremonies. Votive candles in red or clear glassholders are often found in Catholic churches at the feet of statues. These votives are often lit in prayer, usually made for a specific purpose.
FLOATING CANDLES - are candles which are designed to float in water. They are molded with oversized tops and small bottoms so that they will remain stable as they burn, rather than tipping, listing, or inverting themselves.
My new job has something to do with candles. Hope you learn something new and can add candles on your Christmas list to give out this Christmas season.
References:
a nice post … there are more to candles 
Nice Share.
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