Candle Fundraising Programs History

Candle fundraising programs have been wildly successful fundraisers for schools, churches and Non-profit groups. Each year millions of dollars are raised to help support communities because of candles. They come in different styles, have many uses and have a fascinating history.

Candle Fundraising Programs - A Look Back

Like just about any art form candle making has evolved through the years. Modern candles bear no resemblance to the original attempts. The first recorded history of candle use dates back to an Egyptian clay candleholder from the fourth century. During this time both the Egyptians and the Romans extracted tallow from sheep. Refinements in Rome eventually produced a candle that is the basis for today’s production. The Romans melted the tallow until it was liquid and poured it over fibers of flax, hemp or cotton for their wicks.

Beeswax came to be a prominent ingredient in candle making during the middle ages. Made in the same fashion as the Roman tallow candle, the beeswax was still an improvement because it burned cleaner. However the beeswax candles were expensive to produce which left their usage to just the elite of society.

In Asia, Chinese and Japanese candles were a mixture of insects and seeds blended in paper tubes. Other uses of ancient candles have been found in India where wax was derived from boiling cinnamon for religious ceremonies.

Candle use in the Americas dates back to the first century when Native Americans burned oily fish stuffed between a forked stick. Missionaries boiled the bark of the Cerio tree in the southwestern United States for their candles. Once the bark reached temperature the water was skimmed and the wax was culled.

One of the most prominent periods of candle manufacturing was during the 18th century. The whale industry provided so much that most parts of the whale were used thoroughly. Spermaceti oil was found in the head of Sperm Whales and could be found in large quantities. The oil was refined to get wax and although when lit did produce a strong odor, the wax was hard enough to hold a shape even during the warmer months of the year.

Candle Fundraising Programs - Today

Manufacturers of candles made livelihoods with their knowledge by going door-to-door and creating candles. Proof that candle fundraising programs are hundreds of years old!

The molds for candle making first started appearing in Paris during the 15th century. Production increased in the 19th century when molding machines were created. Paraffin was created which is used to create stronger candles.

Contemporary candle fundraising programs have continued in relatively the same basic form. New additives have created a new and exciting market with dyes and scents. The newer and more potent additives have brought down the cost of candles because far less ingredient is used for each piece. Most modern candles are made with Paraffin wax, which is cost effective, and in abundant supply. It’s an odorless, waxy solid that can be used for multiple candle types because it can be combined with other additives to give it a different melting point. Paraffin can be used for container candles, votives, pillars and specialty high melt point candles like hurricanes.

Today candles lovers have a wide choice of what to buy. Various waxes from paraffin to vegetable waxes, the resurgence of beeswax and gels are available. If you ever want to hear a spirited debate between Chandlers ask them what the best candle waxes are, then step back! A passionate and fiery debate is sure to follow!

Justfundraising Candle Programs Available

Professional fundraising companies have different styles available to help you raise money. At justfundraising we offer a wide selection of candles and diffusers. Our Journey of Faith candles offer uplifting messages about hope and faith and have sold well for church groups. Quote candles offer motivational messages that represent school and non-profit organizations well. We also offer the Touch of Elegance line with over 27 fragrances. The candle fundraising programs offer 50% profit with no up front costs. These fundraisers are highly successful and easy to set up. Justfundraising also offers some candles wrapped in a gift box perfect for gifts. Whatever groups your looking to support it’s always a good reflection on you to start with a candle fundraising program.

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