Candle light. Today, those two words may conjure images of a romantic setting or a prayer service or a birthday cake. But prior to the 1930s, candles were a necessity as they were one of only a few sources of light other than the moon and stars. Unfortunately, candles were also the cause of fires, destroying many wood structures. According to the National Fire Protection Association, even in modern years of 2015-2019, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 7,400 home structure fires that were started by candles each year. Yikes.
Today, with no practical need for candles, we continue to be fascinated by them. According to the National Candle Association, the U.S. retail sales of candle products are estimated at $3.14 billion annually.
Most every child remembers learning about candles. I recall my brother, Steve, showing me how he could run his finger slowly through the flame of a candle and not be burned. I thought he was Houdini. He wanted to show me how to do the same, but I was more interested in dipping my fingers in the melted wax. (If you are curious, more than 1 billion pounds of wax are used in producing candles sold each year in the U.S.)
Years later, this candle fascination caught up with Steve. Mom and dad were out one evening, and Steve was left in charge. So, he did what many 12-year-old boys would do and broke out matches. While lighting a stick candle, he tried to look at the bottom of it, and the flame touched his curly hair, igniting it immediately. He beat his head like a set of bongos, distinguishing the flames quickly and safely, but I will never forget that sight or the smell of his burning hair. I didn’t mess with candles for years after seeing that — at least not until I was married and owned our first home.
My wife likes candles. Mostly the scents, of which the National Candle Association says are more than 10,000. As such, she would occasionally light a candle in our home, at least until a contractor told us the soot problem we had on our walls was from candles. We didn't believe it, especially after learning that the flue from our hot water heater had become disconnected in the attic (a story for another column), but we did refrain from using candles… for a while.
Today, candles come in all shapes and sizes, from tapers, votives, pillars and tealights to container and jar candles, floating candles, liturgical candles, outdoor candles, novelty candles, utility candles and birthday candles. I think we have most of them tucked away in a cupboard in our home right now. Candles are also a popular gift, with 35% of candle sales occurring during the Christmas season.
So, if you feel inclined, give a candle as a gift, or light one in your home. Just keep them away from your curly locks.
Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com |
