Candlelight. Today, that word suggests romance, prayer or a birthday wish. But before the 1930s, candles weren’t mood lighting — they were survival. If you wanted to see after dark, it was candles, the moon or walking into furniture.
Of course, candles also had a habit of burning down more than just wicks. Entire wooden structures were lost to them. Even now, according to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to about 7,400 home fires started by candles each year. So, yes, that cozy glow comes with a side of “maybe don’t.”
And yet, we love them. The National Candle Association says Americans spend about $3.14 billion a year on candles — which is impressive for something we technically no longer need.
Most of us met candles as kids. I remember my brother, Steve, showing me he could run his finger through a flame without getting burned. I was convinced I was living with Houdini. He offered to teach me. I declined and instead stuck my fingers in melted wax, which felt safer and somehow still like a bad decision. (Fun fact: More than 1 billion pounds of wax are used to make candles sold in the U.S. each year. That’s a lot of questionable childhood choices.)
Years later, candles got their revenge on Steve. One night, while Mom and Dad were out, he was in charge — which immediately became a problem when matches entered the picture. While lighting a candle, he leaned in to inspect it and accidentally introduced his curly hair to the flame. It ignited instantly. What followed was a frantic, bongo-style head-slapping performance that successfully put out the fire. He survived. His hair… learned a lesson. I, meanwhile, learned to keep a respectful distance from anything involving fire, wax or Steve.
I avoided candles for years — at least until I got married. My wife loves candles. Not for light, but for scent. Apparently there are more than 10,000 candle fragrances, which explains why our house can smell like “Coastal Breeze” in the middle of Iowa.
At one point, a contractor informed us that the black soot on our walls was from candles. We didn’t believe him — mostly because we had just discovered our water heater flue had disconnected in the attic (a story for another day). Still, we cut back on candles … briefly. Old habits burn hard.
Today, candles come in every form imaginable: tapers, votives, pillars, tealights, jars, floats, outdoors, indoors, religious, decorative and “why does this exist?” varieties. I’m fairly certain we own at least one of each, all hiding in a cupboard, waiting for their moment.
They are also a go-to gift, especially at Christmas when about 35% of candle sales happen. Nothing says “I didn’t know what to get you” quite like a cinnamon-scented pillar.
So go ahead — light a candle. Set the mood. Enjoy the glow. Just maybe keep it — and your hair — at a safe distance.
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707