According to history candle waxes were derived by the Romans sometime in the first century from the pith of a group of plants called rushes (family Juncaceae). But even in the primordial times (about 3000 B.C.) candle waxes were made from beeswax by the Egyptians and the Cretans. Other candle waxes back then were made from natural fats such as the spermaceti or sperm whale oil and tallow. Cheaper substitutes were later conceived in the 18th century when colza oil and rapeseed oil were discovered. Only sometime in the mid-18th century (1830's) that paraffin wax came into popularity.
Because of the versatility of paraffin wax - it has variable melting points - it gives candle wax various applications, from votive to pillars to containers. Back in the old times candle wax was as captivating and entrancing as it is today. The Egyptians, for example, soaked the soft, spongy core or pith of reeds in molten tallow. It doesn't far from being a candle at all for it didn't have a wick and they called it "rush lights." It was the Romans who got the credence for developing the candle with a wick derived from papyrus.
Today, an endless variety of candles are now available in different styles, shapes and fragrances and most of them adorned and embellished hotels and homes all over the world. There's the taper candle that gives romance to dinner table; the cylindrical candle wax called the votive which is originally colorless but now in different colors and scents; the column or pillars with one or more wicks; or the container or filled candle wax that needs a special, decorative tin or pot.
There are more elaborations of candle wax today that suits a lifestyle, occasion or purpose.
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