Everything
Candles: Aromatic Fascination: Why Do We Love Candles?

By. Heather Long

It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness, Eleanor Roosevelt said that more than half a century ago. Candles are a vibrant part of our modern culture despite our reliance on electricity. Candles are primal; they represent hope in the dark and a resistance against the shadows of our own minds.

Our songs, our culture and even our religions embrace the use of candles. From the song ‘Candle on the Water’ from Pete’s Dragon to the description of life in Brief Candle or even, the candle went out far too soon – candles are a metaphor for life and hope wrapped up into one package of wax with a wick. Despite their simplicity, there is nothing simple about candles. They are a form of practical magic in a world that needs magic no matter how practical.

 “I love candles,” said Melanie Burton of Virginia. “I love the atmosphere they create and I love having them for special occasions.”

"I consider myself to be addicted to candles in a good way," said Marie Benton of Florida.  "I make a purchase at least twice a month because I burn them everyday.  I love the atmosphere they create, the way they make my house smell and the way they brighten my mood.  I am totally a candleholic," she laughs.

Do you know what makes candles so fascinating? Everyone has a different opinion about what makes candles truly magical. In fact, a lot of people just enjoy burning candles because they like the mood it sets and the scents the candles release. Candles are so popular with us that the candle business is a billion dollar industry.

Historical Fascination

The fascination with candles is not limited to Western society. Candles are used in the Far East for meditation, decoration and more. Before the age of electricity, candles were vital for light in the darkness. A long winter was made more bearable by a candle that people could read books by or simply use to illuminate their homes. 

“It’s cool in historical pieces to see people moving through the hallways carrying a little platter with a candle on it. It really sets a mood and you know when they are if not where,” said Victoria Browne of Texas.

Candles illustrate time, they illustrate mood and they even illustrate circumstances. When there’s a blackout, candles come in handy.

In This Day and Time The Scent is the Thing

“I like candles because they can freshen the air,” said Linda Long. “I like that I don’t have to use some plug in or worry about refilling it. I can come home, light a candle and I get mood and scent in one package.”

Scented candles are hardly a new invention. While candles were traditionally made from tallow, the scent of candles is as old as the first perfumes. The sense of smell is very powerful in humans. Scents are associated with good memories and with bad.

“When we were going to sell our house, we used to light a vanilla candle on each floor for a couple of hours before it would be shown,” said Heather White of Texas. “Not only was it kind of neat to have them there, but the scent definitely made it more attractive to buyers – at least it made it more attractive to me.”

Illuminating Relaxation

The fascination with candles may have its roots in our need to push back the darkness, but the gentle light they offer in our world of harsh glares is equally attractive. Imagery of candles as a part of the romantic experience is popular in novels, television shows and movies. So is the experience of soaking in a hot bath in a room where the only light comes from the singular flame of a candle.

“It creates a mood,” said Victoria Browne of Texas. “Moods are important. I work a lot and there are always demands, but when I walk in the bathroom and run a tub full of hot steamy water, light the candle and turn off the overheads. It’s my time.”

The light of a candle creates an intimacy and a sense of private moments. Those moments are not limited to just relaxing in the tub or a romantic dinner for two with three slender tapers providing the illumination.

The Flame of Closeness

”Have you ever left a candle in the window to help guide someone home?” Heather White of Texas asked. “It may sound corny today, but when I light a candle and leave it in the window – it brings me closer to my family that is away or my friends overseas.”

When a loved one is far away or is lost, the lighting of a candle can bring some emotional comfort to family. When used as a part of prayers and remembrances such as those placed at the scenes of disaster, the candle sheds not only the light of truth on what happened, but also honoring the memory of those lost.

“There’s a reason they call them candlelight vigils,” said Victoria Browne of Texas. “Fire is elemental, we seek the warmth and the brightness that it represents. We want to share that warmth and light in our prayers for hope and safety. We want those candles to carry our light forth into the world and heaven beyond.”

“Sometimes, we just want to know we are not alone,” said Heather White of Texas. “The lit candle can represent many different things and then we’re not alone.”

The sweet fascination for candles can be as simple as a memory triggered by a beautiful scent or the safety the light inspires. Candles bring comfort, joy, hope, memory, honor and much, much more. Candles like Candles of Eden’s SoyLuscious® Soy Candles scented in Rose Blossom not only conjure images of a warm day in a rose garden, but also invite the candle lover in to sit a spell.

Candles of Eden’s SoyLuscious® scented soy candles in their exquisite array of containers open doorways to the imagination; there is a scent for every type of mood you may try to create since they have over 100 different fragrances.
What other item stimulates the senses inspires the imagination and warms the heart like the singular beauty of a candle? It’s the fascination with this feeling that encourages the purchase of candles, particularly elite candles like those of the Candles of Eden SoyLuscious® soy candle collection. 

Discovery

The love for candles and the affinity for fire kindle the imagination and the heart. There are many people who just love candles and they don’t try to quantify why. It’s not always important to know why someone loves a candle, it’s just important to know that candles have been known to inspire thoughts and hope that light the path of discovery. 

Contact us and let us know why you are fascinated with candles and perhaps your quote can be added to this article.

*View Candles of Eden'sSoyLuscious®Soy Candles.

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