WE RECENTLY visited the home of attorney- at-law and tax specialist Ethlyn Norton-Coke and came across quite a large collection of local and foreign- made candles that were quite a pretty sight.
Coincidentally, we were also in discussions with interior designer Sharon Lowe on the various ways in which we could give our homes a permanently lovely smell.
Scented candles was one method which she suggested. The candles, she said, give light and fragrance which stimulate the senses and are also perfect for a romantic setting.
Candle use dates back to ancient times, with biblical references as early as the tenth century B.C. Candles were widely used in medieval times and they could be found in great halls, monasteries, churches, cottages and shops. The simplest (and smelliest) candles known as rush light were made by dipping rushes in leftover kitchen fat.
Demand
Of course, the medievals would probably never have dreamt that a day would come when candles would be in greater demand for their smell, than for their light!
As it is noted at www.
expressivecandles.com, for many centuries, candles were considered expensive items in Europe. Beginning with the 16th century, however, living standards improved and candles could be found in ordinary households. The quality of candle light depended upon the type of material used. Beeswax, for example, gave off a much brighter light than tallow. In addition to tallow and beeswax, another material known as spermaceti became popular for candle making. Stearin also made it possible to produce better wicks that didn't have to be snuffed and trimmed.
We no longer use candles as a regular source of light (except during storms and power outages) but they are in great demand as a source of fragrance. Sharon Lowe notes that scented candles are also useful in the kitchen while one is cooking fish and other strong-scented dishes.
Candles are available in jasmine, lavender and many more in stores such as Bath Plus in Kingston. They can also be sourced directly from Star Fish Oils, also in Kingston, which has an amazing range of herbal and tropical scents, and which are said to also have aroma-therapeutic benefits.
- Outlook Team
