July 01, 2025
Burn Bright: A Look at How Candles "Luminated" Our History
From Flame to Fame: The Candle’s Journey Through Time
Candles are one of those everyday luxuries we don’t always stop to think about—but their story is more adventurous than you might expect.
Let’s rewind the wax...
The Ancient Origins (200 BC – 500 AD)
Candles were first recorded in ancient China around 200 BC, made from rolled rice paper for the wick and wax from insects and seeds. Around the same time, the Romans developed a version made from dipped papyrus and tallow (aka melted animal fat). The results? Functional, but smoky and smelly. Let's just say aromatherapy wasn't the goal.
Candles in early civilizations weren’t just for light—they were used in religious ceremonies, timekeeping, and even military strategy. They marked sacred rituals and kept the divine present after sunset.
🐝 The Beeswax Era (Middle Ages)
By the Middle Ages, Europeans began producing beeswax candles—a much cleaner-burning and more pleasant-smelling alternative. These were a major upgrade, but they were expensive. Most people still relied on tallow, while beeswax was reserved for churches and royalty.
Candles became a symbol of status, light, and sacredness. The flame was respected—and often romanticized in art and literature.
🏭 Industrial Revolution: The Glow-Up (18th–19th Century)
The candle industry took a sharp turn with the Industrial Revolution. French chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul discovered how to extract stearin from animal fats, resulting in harder, longer-lasting candles.
Then in the 1830s, machines were invented to mass-produce candles—and this is where candles stopped being just a luxury and started becoming a household staple.
Fun Candle Fact!
The earliest candle “influencers” weren’t on TikTok—they were real-life entrepreneurs.
One of the most famous? William Procter and James Gamble, founders of Procter & Gamble in the 1830s. They made candles and soap… eventually shifting toward Crisco, which was originally developed as a candle wax alternative. So yes, your grandma’s baking fat has candle roots!
Candles Fade, Then Come Back Lit (20th Century–Today)
The invention of the light bulb in the late 1800s nearly wiped candles off the map. Once electricity spread, candles were no longer a necessity for light.
But that didn’t last long.
By the mid-20th century, candles came roaring back—not for light, but for ambience, mood, and self-care. Scented candles gained popularity in the 1980s and have never left.
Today, candles are a billion-dollar industry. Some big names lead the mass-market:
🕯️ Yankee Candle (est. 1969, Massachusetts)
🕯️ Bath & Body Works (part of L Brands, known for its famous 3-wick designs)
But mass-produced isn’t for everyone…
So, Why Luminate 365? Why Now?
If candles today are all about intention, artistry, and mood, then you deserve one that reflects that with heart.
At Luminate 365, we believe every candle should:
- Look like art – Our bold, beautiful colors and decorative wax toppings make each candle unique.
- Smell like comfort – We hand-select scent blends that promote calm, clarity, or creativity.
- Feel like you – Whether you need focus, fun, or a little faith, there’s a Luminate candle designed for that purpose.
Mass-market candles are poured in bulk, by machines. Ours are handmade with care, attention to detail, and meaning. Each one is always going to unique in its own way and tell a story—yours.
Luminate 365 is changing the game.
From ancient empires to modern apartments, candles have always served one purpose: to light the way. Now, more than ever, that light should feel personal.
Luminate 365 isn’t just a candle. It’s a moment, a mindset, and a little magic for your space.
We light the way. Always.