candle
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AI overview
A candle is a light source made of a wick surrounded by wax or other flammable material that burns when lit. Candles have been used historically for illumination and continue to serve practical and symbolic purposes today, such as in religious ceremonies, memorials, and home decoration.
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Article
25 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- History
- Modern era
- Use
- Other uses
- Components
- Wax
- Wick
- Characteristics
- Light
- Temperature
- Combustion
- Candle flame
- History of study
- Hazards
- Regulation
- Accessories
- Candle holders
- Candle snuffers
- Candle followers
- Gallery
- See also
- References
- Bibliography
- External links
thumb|The wick of a burning candle |400x400px thumb|A candle in a candle stick thumb|Tapers (long thin candles) in a church thumb|A memorial candle (yahrtzeit candle)
A candle is an ignitable wick embedded in wax, or another flammable solid substance such as tallow, that provides light, and in some cases, a fragrance. A candle can also provide heat or a method of keeping time. Candles have been used for over two millennia around the world, and were a significant form of indoor lighting until the invention of other types of light sources. Although electric light has largely made candle use nonessential for illumination, candles are still commonly used for functional, symbolic and aesthetic purposes and in specific cultural and religious settings.