Candle making has been around since the first century, but has been independently developed by many countries throughout history.  Early candles were made from various types of natural fat, tallow, and wax.  The Egyptians made candles out of beeswax as early as 3000 BC, and the Chinese made candles from whale fat.  In India, temple candles were made from wax produced by boiling cinnamon.

During the middle ages, tallow became the standard material used in candles in Europe.  Tallow was made from the fat of cows and sheep, containing glycerine.  The glycerine content produced a very unpleasant smell, which led several European cities to ban the manufacturing of tallow candles.  In the 18th century, Spermaceti, oil produced by the sperm whale, was used to make very expensive candles.  Later in the 18th century, colza oil and rapeseed oil were discovered, which were a much cheaper alternative to previous oils.  These oils produced candles with clear, smokeless flames.  Two French chemists patented stearin in 1811, which was derived from animals like tallow, but contained no glycerine.

The industrialization of the candle production was started in 1834 when Joseph Morgan invented a machine that could manufacture 1500 candles per hour from a mold.  There were many failed attempts to make paraffin commercially viable by different chemists, but James Young finally succeeded in 1850 with a patent to produce paraffin from coal.  Paraffin could be used to make high quality candles that were inexpensive, odorless, and clean burning.  The distillation of kerosene and invention of electricity caused a decline in the candle industry.

Since then, candles have become more of a decorative item and are available in various sizes, colors, shapes, and scents.  Candles are now made from various types of wax.  People now use candles to symbolize celebration, set a romantic mood, accent decor in homes and offices, and to soothe the senses.  Popular candles used today are pillar candles, votive candles, taper candles, and floating candles.