candle

Also known as candles

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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Wikidata facts

Image: "Candle".JPG

Show 5 more facts

Unicode character: 🕯
Commons category: Candles
Commons gallery: Candle
exact match: wordnet-rdf.princeton.edu/wn31/102942478-n
P8168: Pinellia ternata

Sources (5)

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~28 min read

Article

25 sections

Contents

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

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.