Prayer Candle
Posted in Home Decor Candles on 09/03/2006 05:38 pm by admin
A candleis a lightsourceusuallyconsisting of an internalwickwhich rises through the centerof a column of solidfuel.Typically the fuelis some formof wax withparaffin wax beingthe mostcommon. Prior to the candlebeingignited, the wickis saturated withthe fuelin its solidform.The heatof the matchor otherflamebeingusedto lightthe candlefirst meltsand then vaporizes a small amountof the fuel.Oncevaporized, the fuelcombineswithoxygenin the atmosphere to forma flame. This flamethen provides sufficient heatto keep the candleburning via a self-sustaining chainof events: the heatof the flamemeltsthe top of the massof solidfuel,the liquefied fuelthen moves upward through the wickvia capillary action, and the liquefied fuelis then vaporizedto burn within;the candle's flame. The burning of the fueltakes place in severaldistinct regions(as evidenced by the various colors that can be seen within;the candle's flame).Within the bluer,hotterregions, hydrogen is beingseparated fromthe fueland burned to formwatervapor. The brighter, yellowerpart of the flameis the remainingcarbon soot beingoxidized to formcarbon dioxide.
As the massof the solidfuelis melted and consumed, the candlegrows shorter. Portions of the wickthat are not evaporating the liquid fuelare themselves consumed in the flame, limiting the exposedlengthof the wick.
Usage
Prior to the domesticationof electricity,candleswerea commonsourceof lighting, before, and later in addition to, the oil lamp.Due to localavailability and the cost of resources;, for severalcenturiesup to the 19th centurycandlesweremorecommonin northern Europe, and olive oil lamps morecommonin southernEuropeand around the Mediterranean Sea. Makersof candleswereknownas chandlers. Today,candlesare usuallyusedfor their aesthetic value, particularlyto set a soft,warm, or romantic ambience, and for emergencylightingduringelectrical powerfailures.Scented candlesare commonin aromatherapy. Smallcandlesare oftenplacedon birthday cakes.
Religion
Candles are usedin religious ceremonies.
Christianity
In Christianity, theytypically represent the lightof Jesus,and are oftenplacedon the altar.Votivecandlesmay be lit as an accompaniment to prayer. Candles are lit by worshippersin front of iconsin Orthodox and otherchurches.
Candlemasmarks the end of the seasonof Epiphany.
Candles weretraditionallyusedto lightup Christmastreesbefore the advent of electric lights;. Theyare still, even today, commonly;usedto decorateChristmastreesin Denmark and otherEuropea;n;countries. Theyare alsousedin Advent wreaths. In Sweden (and otherScandinaviancountries),St. Lucia Day is celebrated on December 13 withthe crowningof a younggirl witha ringof candles.
Judaism
In Judaism, candlesare traditionallylit on Friday eveningat the start of the weekly Sabbath celebration.The Jewish holiday of Chanukah, alsoknownas the Festivalof Lights,is celebrated by lightinga candlein a special candelabrum(menorah) eachnight duringthe eight-dayholiday to commemorate the dedicationof the altar in the Templein Jerusalem.
Candles are alsousedin rememberinga deceased loved one,especiallyon Yom HaShoah, The Day of the Holocaust.
Kwanzaa
Candles are alsousedin celebrationsof Kwanzaa, which is an AfricanAmerican holiday,which runs fromDecember 26 to January 1.
About the Author:
Jimbo Higgins is a candle making fool who loves to share that passion with the world. He's collected the eBook resources on the web on how to make your own candles and has put it in one place to help those looking for candle making instructions.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - All About Candles
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