torches

A torch is a portable light source that originally consisted of a combustible material fastened to the end of a staff and lit to produce a flame. Traditional torches relied on solid or liquid fuels such as pitch, resin, tallow, or oil. The design typically included a wick or a cloth wrapped around the fuel-soaked tip to sustain combustion and channel heat away from the hand. In many regions, the term “torch” also refers to a modern electric flashlight, particularly in British English.

Historically, torches were used for night illumination, signaling, and ceremonies. They were common in ancient Greece, Rome, and medieval Europe, but produced smoky light and an uneven burn. Torch-making evolved with candles and oil lamps, yet open-flame torches persisted in festivals and processions, wars, and exploration. The construction varied by culture, with some torches treated to improve burn-time or reduce dripping. In the modern era, torches often take the form of electric flashlights, while ceremonial or signal torches continue to be employed in events such as parades or the Olympic tradition.

Common types today include open-flame torches for ceremonial use and safety-rated torches for hazardous environments; and electric torches or flashlights designed for portable illumination. The word “torch” is widely used in Commonwealth countries to mean a handheld flashlight, whereas in American English “flashlight” is standard. Despite differences, the basic function remains providing portable light by a controllable energy source.