There is only one history for candle but there are multiple narratives in looking at candle. How is candle related to socio-cultural practices? In the past, candles would mainly be used for religious and more formal reason but today, candles can be used in songs for a person to express feelings through.
Taking the example of “Candles” by Hey Monday, if you are looking at the chorus,
“Blow the candles out,
Looks like a solo tonight.
I'm beginning to see the light,
Blow the candles out,
Looks like a solo tonight.
But I think I'll be alright.”
Candles are used to create a more melodramatic and private atmosphere throughout the song. Blowing out the candles can be associated to seeing and understanding the loneliness of the singer. The single light of a candle is used to contrast the intense light in the power line. Candles in this context carry a sentimental value which helps humans express their emotions.
More information about the lyrics:
http://www.lyricsreg.com/lyrics/hey+monday/Candles+lyrics/
Comparing from the society in the past to today’s, there’s an increase in the accessibility of candles. As much as the candles were more widely used for religious and formal reasons, only a certain group of elites could and would get them for how the candle served the function. The accessibility is therefore limited. As time pass by, the identity and role of the candle has changed from simply fulfilling its utility in religious ceremonies to now, candles are used for home decorations and gifts for the beloved ones. Candles have become something more personal and is powerful to bring people as family and ethnic units closely together. As you see, there is also an increase in the accessibility and diversity in the kinds and designs of candles from this new industry. From being a mass- produced product in the past, it has now even changed to something that is DIY (Design it Yourself).
More information about DIY candles:
http://www.victorystore.com/dyo/candles/
http://candles.lovetoknow.com/Candle_Making_MaterialIt is interesting to see the evolution of the role of candle throughout human history. Candles that are used for the sake of traditions like: religious, military, remembrance, purpose are still kept today. The meaning of candles is now expanded for private consumption of humans for simple home decoration, celebration of birthdays, anniversary, appreciation, etc., a figurative way of speech and expression in songs and lastly even for medical purposes like aromatherapy. As the society is changing, the identity of candle changes from one time to another in relation to the humans. It is obvious enough to see how candles have becoming a more personal, aesthetic and meaningful object to humans today than the past.
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