Since the Tang dynasty, candles have been regarded as more than mere givers of light by the Chinese people. Their yellow flame and slowly dripping wax give a feeling of mystery as well as warmth.
Tang dynasty poet Li Shang-yin was particularly inspired by candles. He writes: "The silkworm spits out its thread in the spring before it dies/The candle's tears dry before it burns itself out." In his poem "The Evening Rain from the North", he says: "When will we be together again to cut the wick as the moon shines through the window/To talk again at Mt. Pa in the evening rain." In both these poems, the candle is used to express human emotions.
Because of the solemn atmosphere they give, candles are often regarded as an essential accompaniment to religious ceremonies. Older people still place two candles on either side of the Buddha or ancestral tablet when they burn incense in worship.
Even in earlier times, candles were used for decoration rather than lighting, since the latter function was performed by kerosene or vegetable oil lamps. Wheat stems dipped in wax often formed a crude candle for country people.
Today, refined paraffin wax rather than the older beeswax or white wax is used to make candles. Most of the paraffin is imported from Japan, and all candles, whether straight or spiral, can be made by machine. Melted wax is poured into molds and in only 15 minutes, each machine can turn out between one and two hundred identical candles. For more complex designs, candles must be made one at a time.
The first step in manufacture is to carve the desired shape in wood or metal, after which the mold is filled with plaster or rubber. The rubber molds are the most expensive, but they produce the best results. In the past, candles produced in Taiwan were simple and mainly used for rituals, or when typhoons put out the lights. Today, candles are often used as a decoration in everyday life, such as in coffee shops, restaurants, and dance halls. Because of this increased demand, makers are producing higher quality candles in different designs and colors.
During the past two years, shelves of gift shops have been full of artistic candles in different styles and colors. Some are spiral, while others are in the shapes of animals or people. Some even change shape as they burn, including one that opens like a flower and slowly forms a ball. Others can be floated in walnut shells or lotus leaves.
Manufacturers who put all their efforts into producing candles to bring color to everyday life like to say they are "burning themselves out to give light to others." As Oscar Wilde said, it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. Manufacturers want to increase the power of their candles in order to warm the hearts of the public.
[Picture Caption]
There are many styles and colors of candles; some are perfumed, some add a touch of romance. 1) Two swan candles. 2) Fruit-shaped candles, beloved by children. 3) Girls especially appreciate these angel candlesticks. 4) A Santa candle for Christmas.
1) Candles and wine, one of life's many pleasures. 2) What is a birthday cake without candles? One for every year. 3) Candles add romance. 4,6,7) Candles for children. 5) Gift store shelves are full of candles. 8) Large red candles represent good fortune. The Chinese often light a pair on auspicious occasions.
Fruit-shaped candles, beloved by children.
Girls especially appreciate these angel candlesticks.
A Santa candle for Christmas.
Candles and wine, one of life's many pleasures.
What is a birthday cake without candles? One for every year.
Gift store shelves are full of candles.
Large red candles represent good fortune. The Chinese often light a pair on auspicious occasions.
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