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People used to believe that by blowing out birthday candles they were blowing away all the bad luck of past years. That is why there is a candle for every year.

How the first candle came about is not known. Perhaps, as primitive man was roasting animals, he poked the carcass with a stick to test its tenderness. The stick covered with animal fat was easy to light and burned brightly. Thus, the torch was created. An improvement was made by dipping twigs in resin, pitch, or oil to make the light last longer. Later, bundles of fat-dipped reeds took the place of twigs and were called rushlights.

The early Egyptians made candles. Their funeral services were lighted and possibly perfumed by cone-shaped lumps of wax or tallow (animal fat) stuck in holders. Bands of material that would burn were wound around the candles to keep the hot tallow or wax from spreading into a shapeless mass. The Egyptians may also have used wicks.

Candle making slowly became an established art. The early Roman Catholic Church made special beeswax candles for their services. By the 13th century candles were in general use. In Paris and other cities candle makers travelled from door to door restocking each household’s supply of candles.

Although machines that make hundreds of candles at a time have generally replaced the craftsman, the basic steps have not changed over the centuries. Many of us think of candles as just decorations. Yet when a power failure from storms or earthquakes takes place, we still need candlelight.

Candles have many uses, but perhaps their greatest appeal is that they add warmth and cheer. A dinner table lighted by candles becomes gayer. A Christmas candle shining in a window is a sign of goodwill toward all.