Svijeu

Svijeu, commonly written svijeća in standard Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian orthography, refers to a candle, a solid mass of wax with a wick that is burned to produce light. The wax is usually derived from paraffin, beeswax, soy, or other blends and is cast into shapes such as taper, pillar, tealight, votive, jar, or stick. Wicks are typically braided cotton; some candles use wooden wicks for a crackling effect.

Historically, simple candles appeared in ancient times using tallow or beeswax. Beeswax candles were favored in the classical and medieval periods, while the development of paraffin-based candles in the 19th century enabled cheaper mass production and a wider range of forms and scents. Today, candles are produced for everyday lighting, decoration, and ritual use, and may be scented or unscented, colored or natural.

In cultural and religious contexts, candles are used in homes, synagogues, churches, temples, and during holidays and ceremonies, often as symbols of light, remembrance, or purification. Safety and environmental considerations are important: candles should be placed on stable holders, kept away from flammable materials, never left unattended, and extinguished properly. Paraffin candles may produce soot and pollutants, while beeswax, soy, and other natural waxes are often marketed as cleaner alternatives.

Related topics include votive candles, candle holders, and ritual lighting practices.