In ancient times, candles were actually a status symbol

In ancient times, candles were actually a status symbol

In modern society, candles are just an ordinary object, not valuable at all. So why was it used as a status symbol in the distant past?

In fact, this should start from the historical background and time conditions of the candle. The modern view is that candles originate from primitive torches, in which wood was coated with something like tallow or wax and burned for lighting. Later, with the improvement of social production technology, it became more and more convenient to make candles. In traditional Chinese culture, candles have the symbolic meaning of dedication and sacrifice, so they are often used at happy events and funerals.

Of course, candles at that time were luxuries only for high officials and aristocrats, which were beyond the reach of ordinary people. It was not until the Song Dynasty that candles gradually became a common commodity consumed by ordinary families.