candle

A candle is a solid block of wax with an embedded wick that, when lit, provides light and sometimes heat. The wax around the wick melts as the flame draws liquid wax up the wick by capillary action; the liquid wax then vaporizes in the flame and sustains combustion, producing light, heat, and combustion byproducts. Most consumer candles use paraffin, beeswax, soy, or blends, and wicks are typically cotton or braided fibers, sometimes with a metal core to improve stability. Candles come in a range of shapes and sizes, including taper, pillar, votive, tealight, and jar formats, with scented and colored varieties common for decorative or aromatic use.

Historically, early candles were made from tallow or beeswax and were produced in ancient and medieval periods, often using rushlights or molded forms. The modern paraffin candle emerged in the 19th century, supported by advances in wick design and mass production. Although electric lighting has largely supplanted candles for everyday use, they remain popular for mood lighting, ceremonial purposes, and religious rituals, and are manufactured in a wide array of fragrances, colors, and styles.

Safety and environmental considerations are important: candles are a fire hazard and should be used with stable holders, kept away from flammable materials, and never left burning unattended. Wicks are typically trimmed to 5–7 mm before lighting, and burning should be monitored. Paraffin candles can emit soot and pollutants; renewable waxes such as soy or beeswax and lead-free wicks mitigate some concerns.