Candle Making                

Historically, most candle making occurred in the fall, when the days cooled and shortened. Dipped candles were common, but candle molds were also used, and households saved every bit of fat, grease, or tallow possible. Wax candles would sometimes be formed by hand.

To make dipped candles, the maker needed a big pot to melt and skim the tallow. Poles and rods held the wicks and helped dry and rotate the candles until they became

large enough. A good dipper gave the candles plenty of time to dry

to prevent brittle candles that would crack and break easily. The tallow pot would be swung back toward the fire to keep it melted and then brought away to keep it from becoming too hot.If done inside, something covered the floor to catch any excess drippings.

Molds were made of tin or pewter, and the larger ones would make two dozen. Candle makers would go from house to house with large candle molds to make the needed supply for a household, but most women made their own. The  wicks were attached to a wire or nail laid across the individual cylinders and positioned to hang down the center. Melted tallow was then carefully poured in.

Many farmers' wives made some candles from bees wax. She'd shape it by hand by pressing bits of warmed wax around a wick. They considered the wax just as important as the honey. Bayberries were another source of wax in certain areas. Bayberry candles smoked less, seemed firmer, and gave off a pleasant odor. The Carolinas also made some candles from sealing wax.

People were careful how they burned candles, because they were tedious to make. They used daylight as much as possible, and often went to bed when it disappeared, or else they sat by the firelight when it became cool enough. Still, candlelight would be necessary at times, and families always tried to keep a supply on hand.

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