A candle is a light source usually consisting of an internal
wick which rises through the center of a column of solid fuel.
Typically the fuel is a form of wax with paraffin wax being the
most common. Prior to the domestication of electricity, candles
were a common source of lighting, before, and later in addition
to, the oil lamp. Due to local availability and the cost of
resources, for several centuries up to the 19th century candles
were more common in northern Europe, and olive oil lamps more
common in southern Europe and around the Mediterranean Sea.
Makers of candles were known as chandlers. Today, candles are
usually used for their aesthetic value, particularly to set a
soft, warm, or romantic ambience, and for emergency lighting
during electrical power failures. Scented candles are common in
aromatherapy. Candles are used in religious ceremonies. In
Christianity, they typically represent the light of Jesus.
Votive candles may be lit as an accompaniment to prayer. Candles
are lit by worshippers in fron