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Candles

Interests from making to lore to color meanings to how to use towards older ideas and ways.

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Latest Activity: Jan 31, 2014

A candle is a solid block of fuel (commonly wax) and an embedded wick, which is lit to provide light, and sometimes heat.[citation needed]

Today, most candles are made from paraffin. Candles can also be made from beeswax, soy and other plant waxes, and tallow (a by-product of beef-fat rendering). Gel candles are made from a mixture of paraffin and plastic.[citation needed]

A candle manufacturer is traditionally known as a chandler. Various devices have been invented to hold candles, from simple tabletop candle holders, to elaborate chandeliers.

The heat of the match used to light the candle melts and vaporizes a small amount of fuel. Once vaporized, the fuel combines with oxygen in the atmosphere to form a flame. This flame provides sufficient heat to keep the candle burning via a self-sustaining chain of events: the heat of the flame melts the top of the mass of solid fuel, the liquefied fuel then moves upward through the wick via capillary action, and the liquefied fuel is then vaporized to burn within the candle's flame.

The burning of the fuel takes place in several distinct regions (as evidenced by the various colors that can be seen within the candle's flame). Within the bluer regions, hydrogen is being separated from the fuel and burned to form water vapor. The brighter, yellower part of the flame is the remaining carbon being oxidized to form carbon dioxide.

As the mass of solid fuel is melted and consumed, the candle grows shorter. Portions of the wick that are not emitting vaporized fuel are consumed in the flame. The incineration of the wick limits the exposed length of the wick, thus maintaining a constant burning temperature and rate of fuel consumption. Some wicks require regular trimming with scissors (or a specialized wick trimmer), usually to about one-quarter inch (~0.7 cm), to promote slower, steady burning, and also to prevent smoking. In early times, the wick needed to be trimmed quite frequently, and special candle-scissors, referred to as "snuffers" until the 20th century, were produced for this purpose, often combined with an extinguisher. Nowadays, however, the wick is constructed so that it curves over as it burns (see picture on the right), so that the end of the wick protrudes into the hot zone of the flame and is then consumed by fire—a self-trimming wick.

Candle making was developed independently in many countries throughout history. The earliest known candles were made from whale fat by the Chinese, during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC). In early China and Japan, tapers were made with wax from insects and seeds, wrapped in paper. In India, wax from boiling cinnamon was used for temple candles. During the first century AD, indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest fused oil from the eulachon, or "candlefish", for illumination.
A close-up image of a candle showing the wick and the various parts of the flame

In Europe, the Middle-East and Africa, where lamp oil made from olives was readily available, candle making remained unkown until the early middle-ages

300 - 1 BC

Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BC) was the first emperor of the Chinese Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC). His mausoleum, which was rediscovered in the 1990s, twenty-two miles east of Xi'an, contained candles made from whale fat. The word zhú 燭 in Chinese originally meant torch and could have the Warring States Period (403–221 BC); some excavated bronzewares from that era feature a pricket thought to hold a candle. The Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) Jizhupian dictionary of about 40 BC hints at candles being made of beeswax, while the Book of Jin (compiled in 648) covering the Jin Dynasty (265–420) makes a solid reference to the beeswax candle in regards to its use by the statesman Zhou Yi (d. 322). An excavated earthenware bowl from the 4th century AD, located at the Luoyang Museum, has a hollowed socket where traces of wax were found.

Wax from boiling cinnamon was used for temple candles in India.

Generally these Chinese candles were molded in paper tubes, using rolled rice paper for the wick, and wax from an indigenous insect that was combined with seeds.

Japanese candles were made from wax extracted from tree nuts.

1 AD - 1500 AD

There is a fish called the eulachon or "candlefish", a type of smelt which is found from Oregon to Alaska. During the first century AD, indigenous people from this region used oil from this fish for illumination. A simple candle could be made by putting the dried fish on a forked stick and then lighting it. The first candles to appear in Europe were made by nomadic tribes in the late Roman era, but are thought to have been in use much earlier in the colder climates of Northern Europe, where olive oil was scarce. These early candles were made from tallow, or animal fat. The tallow was put into the melting pot, then poured into molds made of bronze. A trough underneath would catch the excess wax and return it to the melting pot. For the wick, a cord, usually made from the pith of rushes, was suspended from a horizontal rod over the mold when the tallow was poured in. After the fall of the Roman Empire, when the availability of olive oil became increasingly scarce, and therefore expensive, the use of tallow candles spread across Western Europe. Later wax candles made from various plant extracts replaced tallow as the preferred source of illumination.

In Africa and the Middle East, candle-making remained relatively unknown due to the availability of olive oil for burning in lamps.

Yak butter was used for candles in Tibet

Manufacturing of candles

The oldest candle manufacturers still in existence are Rathbornes Candles, founded in Dublin in 1488.

Making candles for timekeeping

Although candles could not be used to find a specific time they were instrumental in able to indicate passage of predetermined periods of time. For example the Anglo-Saxon king Alfred the Great (c. 849 - 899) used graduated candles also known as candle-clocks. He used this candle to divide up his day into equal periods of study and prayer, royal duties, and rest. There were lines around the side to show the passing of each hour. Later, 24-hour candles were invented based on the same concept. During the Sung dynasty in China (960–1279) calibrated candles and sticks of incense measured time. The concept of this clock utilized six different threads with weights on the end. These were draped over an incense stick at regular intervals and as the incense burned, the threads simultaneously burned one by one and the weights dropped onto a sounding plate below. Sometimes the sticks of incense had varying so that hours were marked by a change in fragrance.

The candle clock was also used as a timer. A heavy nail inserted onto the candle at the indicted mark would fall down onto a hard surface after the wax surrounding the nail melted.

Profession of Candle Making

Candles were also commonplace in many households scattered throughout Europe. In England and France candle making had become a guild graft by the 13 century. These candle makers (chandlers) went from house to house making candles from fats saved from the kitchen or sold their own candles from within their shops.

During the Middle Ages in Europe, the popularity of candles is shown by their use in Candlemas and on Saint Lucy festivities. Tallow, fat from cows or sheep, became the standard material used in candles in Europe. The Tallow Chandlers Company of London was formed in about 1300 in London, and in 1456 was granted a coat of arms. Dating from about 1330, the Wax Chandlers Company acquired its charter in 1484. By 1415, tallow candles were used in street lighting. The trade of the chandler is also recorded by the more picturesque name of "smeremongere", since they oversaw the manufacture of sauces, vinegar, soap and cheese. The unpleasant smell of tallow candles is due to the glycerine they contain. For churches and royal events, candles from beeswax were used, as the smell was usually less unpleasant. The smell of the manufacturing process was so unpleasant that it was banned by ordinance in several cities. The first candle mould comes from 15th century Paris

Discussion Forum

~THE ART OF CANDLE MAGIC~

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 24, 2014.

Reflection Deflection Spell by The Craft of the Wise 1 Reply

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 14, 2014.

Ice Candles )0( Aiclynn

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 11, 2014.

Candle Smoke Meanings;

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 10, 2014.

White Candle Spell Blessing by Marti Finizio

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 10, 2014.

Spell/Chant to Improve Self Confidence/Improve Self-Esteem by Marti Finizio

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 9, 2014.

Wash Away a Curse by Marti Finizio

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 7, 2014.

Banish a Habit by Marti Finizio

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 7, 2014.

Home Blessing Candle Spell by Marti Finizio

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 6, 2014.

Candle Love Spells by Marti Finizio

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 6, 2014.

Space Cleansing Ritual by

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 5, 2014.

Candle Money Spell‏ 2 Replies

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 5, 2014.

Planetary Dedication Spell by Marti Finizio

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 4, 2014.

Rainbow Candle Spell by Marti Finizio

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 4, 2014.

Candle spells 3 Replies

Started by Dept of PMM Artists & things. Last reply by Dept of PMM Artists & things Jan 3, 2014.

Comment Wall

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Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 10, 2014 at 11:41am

Silver Froggie 2:03in the mornin' Jan 10
How to extinguish a candle

In magick, there are many different things that you do, and reasons you do them. Some of these things, like how to put out a candle may seem mundane, but there are reasons behind it.

If you blow out a candle, some say you blow the desire of your spell away.

If you pinch out your candle, some say you are restricting your spell, and pinching off the magick.

If you wave your hand above the candle creating a draft to put it out, some say you are waving your magick away….Pushing it from you.

So, what is the best way to put out a candle?

If you must put out the candle, use a snuffer. But remember to relight your candle as soon as you can to continue the spell.

But remember it is always best to let your candle burn all the way down.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 9, 2014 at 4:05pm

Marti Finizio 10:07in the mornin' Jan 9
SPELL TO BANISH FEVER

Inscribe on a red candle:
Ochnotinos
Chnotinos
Notinos
Tinos
Inos
Nos
Os
As you burn the candle visualize the fever being burned away with the flame.
Before the candle burns all the way down, quench with ice water.
The fever should disappear quickly.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 9, 2014 at 4:05pm

Marti Finizio 10:09in the mornin' Jan 9
A HEALING SPELL

White Voodoo Doll-used in health rituals.
Attach the name of person to be helped and a piece of their hair.
Anoint two red radiant health candles with appropriate oil, and sprinkle the oil on the doll.
Light the candles on each side of the doll and say a prayer asking for good health.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 9, 2014 at 3:43pm

Marti Finizio 10:19in the mornin' Jan 9
SPELL TO BANISH ILLNESS

Burn a black candle anointed with banishing and burn banishing incense.
Concentrate on removing whatever the health problem may be by saying:
As this candle burns, so the illness turns,
melted like this wax, cut like with an axe,
remove and banished, all disabilities vanished,
as my word you see, radiant health blessed be.
Let the candle burn until done, then bury ashes from incense and leftover wax.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 9, 2014 at 3:37pm

Marti Finizio 10:26in the mornin' Jan 9
HEALING FLAMES

Draw a picture of yourself with the disease, wound or condition.
Clearly point out the problem in the picture: a large hammer against the head to
represent a headache; black worms for a virus; a broken limb; a sore.
Charge a red candle with healing energy. Light the candle.
Hold the tip of the picture in the flame. After it's lit, drop it into a heat proof container.
Now, with the red candle still burning, draw another picture of yourself without
the headache, free of the virus or sore, or with a healed limb.
Place this picture under the red candle & let it burn out. You are done.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 9, 2014 at 3:36pm

Marti Finizio 10:29in the mornin' Jan 9
A SPELL FOR HEALING

What you'll need: 3 candles; blue, white, pink incense (1 part allspice, 1 part rosemary)
paper with name of recipient quartz crystal
Place candles on altar in semi-circle, with the incense off to the side
Place the person's name in the center, with the quartz crystal on top.
Center yourself, and inhale the incense.
Gather energy, and when you feel ready, release the energy, directing it through the
crystal to the recipient.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 7, 2014 at 8:25pm
Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 7, 2014 at 3:18pm

ire Magick Luck Spell
To be said over a camp fire, bonfire, open fire or if none of those options are available Candles could be used.

"Fire, fire burning bright...
turn my darkness into light.
Take away my bad luck ill,
bring me nothing but goodwill.
Bad luck came and stayed too long,
be gone forever, be gone, be gone.
With this fire burning bright,
bring me good luck, bring me light!"

SO MOTE IT BE!

Original source unknown

Moonflower)O(

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 7, 2014 at 3:17pm
Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 7, 2014 at 3:17pm
 

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Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.

 

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.

 

Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.

As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.

We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.

Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.

Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"

A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?

After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...

Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.

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