When did candles appear in China?

Beeswax, which appeared in the 3rd century BC, may be the embryonic form of candles we see today. In the west, there was a time when bees were kept in monasteries to make beeswax. This is mainly because Catholicism believes that beeswax is a symbol of virgin conception, so it is regarded as pure light and is enshrined on the altar of the church. Judging from the existing literature, the time of beeswax production in China is roughly the same as that in the West.

Japanese introduced this kind of candle from China in Nara era (AD 7 10 ~ 784). The popularity of candles has gone through a long historical period. According to Xijing Miscellanies, there were candles in the tribute from South Vietnam to Gaudi in the Han Dynasty. It is said that the king will send candles to officials above the marquis and top-grade officials during the Cold Food Festival, indicating that candles were extremely scarce at that time.

During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, candles were used a little wider, but they were mainly used for lighting in the upper class, not in the homes of ordinary people. In the Tang dynasty, it was also recorded that there were candles in Jinzhou's tribute, and officials of the Tang dynasty also set up an official to look after the candles in the palace. It was recorded in the Song Dynasty that there was a candle trade in the border trade with Xixia at that time.

Candle, as a kind of foreign trade and foreign exchange, shows that although it was widely used at that time, it was still precious. After the Ming and Qing Dynasties, candles gradually entered the homes of ordinary people, and people used them more in their daily lives. But ordinary lamps, such as oil lamps and torches, can't be compared.

Extended data

There are many kinds of candles, which can be generally divided into two categories according to the purpose of use: daily lighting candles (ordinary candles) and handicraft candles (special purpose candles). Lighting candles are relatively simple, usually white stick candles. Craft candles can be subdivided into many types, including jelly craft candles and incense craft candles.

Generally, due to the addition of ingredients, various colors (such as birthday candles) are displayed, and shapes are also made into various forms (such as spirals and numbers). ) according to the needs, it can be novel, decorative, ornamental and functional.

The flame of a candle is divided into three parts: outer flame, inner flame and flame core. The outer flame temperature is the highest, the flame center temperature is the lowest, and the inner flame brightness is the highest.

Candles can be generally divided into extruded cylindrical wax, pointed bamboo wax, torch wax, floating wax, round head wax, flat head wax, etc., and there are many colors. Some of these candles are very delicate to use, such as pointed bamboo wax, which is suitable for being inserted in candlesticks and placed in the middle of the table when eating, especially western food. If the home decoration is European style, it can also be placed in the living room as an ornament.

Floating wax is common in bars. Pour water into a container, put floating wax on the water surface, and it will float on the water surface, giving it a special mood under the dark candlelight. Waxing wax is widely used in young people's homes, especially between couples. Candlelight dinner can not only use bamboo wax, but also bring good results.