Chinese candle history

The history of candles can be traced back to ancient times, when people used animal and vegetable oils to spread on branches, mugwort or wood chips to make torches for night lighting.

In China, the prototype of candles appeared in the Pre-Qin period in the 3rd century BC. At that time, people wrapped cloth around hollow reed tubes, poured wax juice into them, and lit them for lighting. Candles of this period were called honey candles or ointment candles and were made primarily from animal fats such as fish fat.

By the Han Dynasty, the use of candles became more common, but they were still relatively precious. According to "Xijing Miscellaneous Notes", during the Han Dynasty, the King of Nanyue paid tribute to the Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty with candles. During the Tang Dynasty, candle making technology was improved and white wax appeared. During the Tang Dynasty, candles were also introduced to Japan.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the production of candles increased greatly, and they began to appear in ordinary people's homes, becoming a common daily necessities for night lighting. With the widespread application of electricity and modern light sources, candles have gradually withdrawn from the historical stage of lighting and become a symbol, often used in major occasions such as sacrifices, weddings, birthday banquets and funerals.