A tapered candle is more than just wax shaped and estilized: it's an ubiquitous, often understated, artifact that has been illuminating our spaces and grounding our rituals for centuries. However, its seemingly simple nature belies a rich history and surprising variety in design, purpose and method of use. So, what exactly is a tapered candle, and why do we continue to light them today?
At its core, a tapered candle is a candle with a conical or tapering shape. Unlike most candles, where the width is uniform throughout, tapered candles have a larger, often decorative portion at the top that gradually tapers down towards the base. This design feature isn't just aesthetic; it serves a functional purpose as well.
Types of Tapered Candles
Tapered candles are incredibly versatile, available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and scents. They can be made from a variety of wax types, including beeswax, soy wax, gel wax, and paraffin wax. Each wax type has its own unique characteristics, affecting everything from burn time, scent throw, to the overall appearance of the candle.
Certain waxes are better suited to certain styles of tapered candle. For example, gel wax is often used in the production of floating candles due to its water resistance. Meanwhile, beeswax is favored by those seeking a more natural, eco-friendly candle.
outdoor tapers
For outdoor use, larger, longer-burning tapered candles are often used, whether they're placed in lanterns, chandeliers, or on dinner tables. They're designed to withstand the elements, often with a thicker, more robust wick and extra support to protect the flame from wind.
Some outdoor tapered candles also incorporate citronella or other natural repellents to help keep pests at bay, a feature particularly useful during summer evenings.
candles for indoor use
Indoors, tapered candles can be used for decoration, ambiance, or religious practices. In many cases, they're designed to complement the fixture they're placed in. For instance, tall, slender tapers might be used to balance out the weight of a heavy candelabra, whereas shorter, stouter candles might be used for safety reasons with lower-hanging candle holders.
In religious contexts, candles are often used to symbolize light, hope, or the presence of God or a higher power. Different religions use candles in different ways, but the core theme remains - light in the darkness.
The Art and Science of Tapered Candle Making
Candle making is an ancient craft, with a long history stretching back to the Neolithic period. Modern candle making, however, combines this traditional craft with state-of-the-art technology and scientific knowledge to create candles that burn more cleanly, look more aesthetically pleasing, and provide additional benefits such as aromatherapy or pest repellence.
Tapered candles are typically poured into molds, ensuring consistent shape and size. As with other types of candles, it's important to get the wick right: too large and the candle will smoke; too small and it won't stay lit. Wicks are pre-punched into the molds and the molten wax is then carefully poured around them.
Wax selection and preparation
Choosing the right wax is key to creating a good-quality candle. Wax type affects burn time, scent throw, and visual appeal. Paraffin wax, for example, has a high melting point and good scent retention, but it's a non-renewable resource. Soy wax, on the other hand, is plant-based and eco-friendly, but it has a lower melting point and a shorter burn time. Beeswax is another popular option, offering exceptional scent retention and a natural honey fragrance, but it's more expensive than other wax types.
Once the wax is chosen, it needs to be prepared. This process involves melting the wax to the desired temperature, then adding any fragrance oils or additives. For tapers, the wax is usually melted in a large vessel and poured into molds, with a pre-punched wick at the base to hold it in place.
Dipping and rolling
Some tapered candles, particularly those from certain cultures or traditions, may use a dipping or rolling process to achieve their shape and finish. This involves repeatedly lowering a long, straight wick into a bucket of melted wax, allowing the excess to drip off, then hanging it up to cool and solidify. This process can be repeated multiple times to build up the desired thickness and shape.
Dipping and rolling is a more labor-intensive process than mold pouring, but it allows for a greater degree of control over the final shape and finish of the candle. It's also less suitable for large-scale production, often used in small-scale, artisanal operations.
The art and science of candle making continues to evolve, with new technologies, materials, and methods being developed all the time. From eco-friendly soy wax to smart candles that track burn time, the tapered candle remains a constant amidst this change, a simple, enduring symbol of light, ritual, and celebration.
So, the next time you light a tapered candle, pause for a moment and appreciate not just the light it provides, but the craftsmanship, history, and ingenuity that goes into its creation. Tapered candles may seem simple, but like many everyday objects, they're the result of countless creative and technical innovations throughout history.