Once upon a wick, scented candles were more ritual than retail. Think sacred smoke in ancient temples. Funerary offerings. Mood lighting for your Roman bathhouse. But let’s fast-forward to the era that really set the stage for what we burn today: the 1980s.
Candles have been used since ancient times for both practical and symbolic purposes. Candles were used in ancient Egypt for ritual purposes, and later in Europe as sources of light. In some places, they are still used as sources of light, while in others they’re used to create warmth, atmosphere, and ambience. Candles are used in many religions and rituals, symbolizing peace, hope, and other spiritual values. Candles are also used in aromatherapy and to aid with meditation. Scent is another story. It's often be used to mask lack of hygiene. Did you know the Romans would scent birds in rose water and release them into a dining hall before banquets in order to scent the air? The French were notorious...
