In the medieval period, candles were not only a source of light but also a symbol of religious devotion. They were used in homes, churches, and other public spaces. The process of making candles was a complex one, and it required great skill and attention to detail. This blog post will explore the art of medieval candle making, including the materials used, the techniques employed, and the cultural significance of candles in medieval England.
Materials Used in Medieval Candle Making
The materials used in medieval candle making were simple and readily available. The main ingredient was beeswax, which was obtained from honeycombs. Beeswax was highly prized for its purity, brightness, and sweet fragrance. It was also expensive, which meant that candles made from beeswax were reserved for the wealthy and the church.
Another material used in medieval candle making was tallow, which was obtained from animal fat, usually from cows or sheep. Tallow candles were cheaper than beeswax candles, but they were also less bright and had an unpleasant odor. Tallow candles were mainly used by the poor and for everyday purposes.
Techniques of Medieval Candle Making
Medieval candle making was a laborious process that required patience and skill. The first step was to melt the beeswax or tallow in a cauldron over a fire. Once the wax was melted, it was poured into a mold, which was made of clay or metal. The mold was then left to cool and harden.
The next step was to remove the candle from the mold. This was done by tapping the sides of the mold with a hammer or by heating the mold slightly. The candle was then trimmed to the desired length and width.
The final step was to add the wick. The wick was made of cotton or hemp, and it was usually coated with wax or tallow to make it easier to ignite. The wick was inserted into the center of the candle, and it was secured with a small piece of metal or wood.
Cultural Significance of Candles in Medieval England
Candles played a significant role in medieval England, both as a source of light and as a symbol of religious devotion. Candles were used in churches for religious ceremonies and processions. They were also used in homes for domestic purposes, such as reading and cooking.
The candle was also a symbol of the soul, which was believed to be immortal and divine. The light of the candle represented the light of Christ, and it was seen as a way of warding off evil spirits and demons.
Candles in Religious Ceremonies
In the medieval period, religion played a central role in people’s lives, and candles were an important part of religious ceremonies. Candles were used in churches for services, such as Mass, Vespers, and Compline, as well as for processions, such as the Candlemas procession. The Candlemas procession marked the purification of the Virgin Mary, and it was celebrated on February 2nd, forty days after the birth of Jesus.
During the Candlemas procession, the clergy and the congregation carried candles, which symbolized the light of Christ. The candles were blessed by the priest and then used during the service. The Candlemas procession was a highly symbolic event, and it represented the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Candles in the Home
Candles were also used in the home, and they played a significant role in domestic life. In the medieval period, homes were dark and poorly lit, especially in the winter months. Candles provided much-needed light and warmth, and they were used for reading, cooking, and other domestic activities.
Candles were often placed in candlesticks, which were made of metal or wood. Candlesticks were highly prized possessions, and they were often decorated with intricate designs or religious symbols. The wealthy would often have elaborate candelabras, which were used to hold multiple candles.
Candles as Gifts
Candles were also given as gifts, especially to religious figures. The gift of candles was seen as a way of showing respect and devotion. Candles were often given to priests, monks, and nuns, and they were used in religious services and for personal devotion.
Candles were also given as offerings to churches and shrines. The gift of candles was seen as a way of seeking divine intervention or expressing gratitude for a miracle or answered prayer.
Candles as a Status Symbol
In the medieval period, candles made from beeswax were highly prized, and they were a symbol of wealth and status. Beeswax candles were expensive to produce, and they were reserved for the wealthy and the church. Tallow candles, on the other hand, were cheaper and more readily available, and they were mainly used by the poor.
The use of beeswax candles in churches and cathedrals was a sign of the church’s wealth and power. The size and number of candles used in a church were often a reflection of its importance and influence.
In conclusion, candles played a significant role in medieval England, both as a source of light and as a symbol of religious devotion. The process of making candles was a laborious one, and it required great skill and attention to detail. The materials used, the techniques employed, and the cultural significance of candles provide a fascinating insight into the past.
Candles were not only a practical item, but they were also a symbol of the soul, the light of Christ, and the triumph of good over evil. Candles were used in churches, homes, and for personal devotion, and they were often given as gifts. The use of beeswax candles was a sign of wealth and status, and it was a reflection of the church’s power and influence. Today, candles continue to be used for a variety of purposes, including religious ceremonies, mood lighting, and decoration.
How to Make a Tallow Candle – a Medieval Recipe for the Common Folk
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of tallow (animal fat)
- 1/4 pound of beeswax (optional, for added brightness and fragrance)
- Cotton or hemp wick
Instructions:
- Melt the tallow in a cauldron over a fire. If using beeswax, add it to the tallow and allow it to melt as well.
- Once melted, remove the cauldron from the fire and let the mixture cool slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the wax from separating from the tallow.
- While the wax is cooling, prepare the wick by cutting it to the desired length and coating it with melted tallow or wax to make it easier to insert into the candle.
- Pour the melted tallow and wax mixture into a mold, which can be made of clay or metal. Insert the wick into the center of the mold, making sure it is straight and secure.
- Allow the candle to cool and harden completely. This may take several hours or overnight.
- Once the candle is hard, remove it from the mold by tapping the sides with a hammer or heating the mold slightly. Trim the wick to the desired length.
- Your tallow candle is now ready to use!
How to Make a Beeswax Candle – a Medieval Recipe for the Wealthy and the Church
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of beeswax
- Cotton or hemp wick
Instructions:
- Melt the beeswax in a cauldron over a fire. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting.
- Once melted, remove the cauldron from the fire and let the wax cool slightly.
- While the wax is cooling, prepare the wick by cutting it to the desired length and dipping it into the melted beeswax. This will help the wick to adhere to the candle.
- Pour the melted beeswax into a mold, which can be made of clay or metal. Insert the prepared wick into the center of the mold, making sure it is straight and secure.
- Allow the candle to cool and harden completely. This may take several hours or overnight.
- Once the candle is hard, remove it from the mold by tapping the sides with a hammer or heating the mold slightly. Trim the wick to the desired length.
- Your beeswax candle is now ready to use!
How to Make a Scented Wax Candle – a Medieval Recipe Fit for Kings and Queens
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of beeswax
- 1/2 pound of tallow
- Essential oils (such as lavender or rose)
- Cotton or hemp wick
Instructions:
- Melt the beeswax and tallow together in a cauldron over a fire. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting.
- Once melted, remove the cauldron from the fire and let the wax cool slightly.
- While the wax is cooling, prepare the wick by cutting it to the desired length and dipping it into the melted wax. This will help the wick to adhere to the candle.
- Add several drops of essential oil to the melted wax, stirring well to evenly distribute the scent. Add more drops as desired for a stronger scent.
- Pour the scented wax into a mold, which can be made of clay or metal. Insert the prepared wick into the center of the mold, making sure it is straight and secure.
- Allow the candle to cool and harden completely. This may take several hours or overnight.
- Once the candle is hard, remove it from the mold by tapping the sides with a hammer or heating the mold slightly. Trim the wick to the desired length.
- Your scented wax candle is now ready to use! Enjoy the delightful aroma it brings to your home or palace.