Scented Candles: A History

Many people probably already know that scented candles are a great way to make their home smell great and give it a warm, inviting atmosphere that any guest will appreciate, but what they might not know is that the history of these lovely candles goes back to nearly 200 AD. They have a history that is as rich and compelling as their scent, and throughout the ages, their use has extended far beyond the decorative.

While some people think Americans were the first ones to come up with scented candles, in truth, it was actually the Europeans who first used them. Candles themselves were also invented around this time, but their harsh, oily odors made breathing any air indoors unpleasant. To alleviate this, people began to add essential and floral oils to their candles in order to make their scent more pleasant, and in turn, the scent also made the home smell nice and helped to improve the mood of its occupants. Scented candles first came about in America during the colonial era, when people began to boil sweet-smelling berries, such as the bayberry, as an alternative to making wax from animal fat. This was the first American-made scented candle, and from there, their popularity skyrocketed. Molded candles for mass production then began around 1835, which brought scented candles into nearly every home, as the new means of making them by machine made them affordable for almost everyone. 

During the 1990’s, scented candles came roaring back in popularity because once again, they were being produced in ways that were better for the environment. Candles made from soy became especially sought after, and many new and exciting scents were produced, including holiday-themed scents, outdoor collections that included popular scents like ocean, pine, and floral selections. Around this same time, aromatherapy candles also began to enjoy a comeback as the New Age movement began and people began to search for ways to deal with their stress-related issues. Today, these trends continue and more new scents are being introduced as both professional and amateur candle makers strive to discover unique and trendy scents that everyone can enjoy. Scented candles have enjoyed long and varied history, and it’s easy to see that they will continue to be popular in the future.

All About Aromatherapy Candles

If you’re anything like me, then you’re always looking for ways to alleviate the stress in your life and find ways to relax. I have found that aromatherapy candles are a wonderful way to do so, whether you light them while taking a hot bath or even have them lit in the evenings as you go about your usual activities. You might think that aromatherapy is all in the head, but believe me, once you hit on the right combination of colors and scents, your mind is transported somewhere else and you’ll feel better than you ever have before. However, there are some tips you should follow when you’re using these candles for an enhanced experience that will have you smiling from morning till evening.

While some people think that aromatherapy can cure a number of illnesses, I don’t make any such claims here. For the most part, this kind of therapy is based on your reaction to certain smells and the endorphins that your brain might release upon smelling them. They also cause you to feel positive emotions and evoke strong memories and associations with certain places—think about the smells that both invigorate and relax you: the smell of freshly-baked cookies and pies, clean cotton fresh off the laundry line on a warm summer days, the scent of a pine forest. By lighting these scented candles, which give off a mild but definite and constant stream of scent, you trigger these memories and emotions, which in turn trigger the release of positive hormones into your body. As you can see, aromatherapy works on more than one level.
There are a number of different ways that aromatherapy candles can affect your mood. There is a big difference between regular scented candles and these candles as well, so don’t be fooled! Aromatherapy candles have essential oils in them, which not only makes them of a higher quality, but they have been proven to have positive effects in a number of ways, such as making you feel as if you have more energy, helping you feel relaxed, and of course, putting you and your honey in a romantic mood! Aromatherapy candles are a great way to both fill your house with amazing scents and improve your overall outlook on life, each and every day.