Definition of Diaspora
Diaspora is the term that is used to describe the dispersed movement that is happening between homeland and the groups of people or people in general. It was first originated from the Jewish people when they were first scattered to countries outside of Palestine after the Babylonian captivity. Referencing from Burman’s article, “Diaspora” is both fraught and excited with a signifying excess of due to the connotations of exile, loss, and remembrance. It also conditions the environment. Under the theme of “Diaspora”, there are many categories and one category is what we have discussed in this class. It is the relation of “Diaspora” with different kinds of objects which bring forth a deeper meaning than what it simply looks like on the surface. Each object in a diasporic context carries their “personal” story that is related to individual(s) or group(s) of cultural people moving from homeland.
Introduction
In this essay, it aims at discussing the topic of candles as objects, and it is divided up into different layers. Firstly, it will cover the definition and a short history of candles. Secondly, there is the basic description of the candle which follows by the story that entails how my friend Vivian gave the candle to me. The story will continue telling how does the candle creates a certain relation through this friendship that is sentimental in nature which connects myself and Vivian as well as the two locations where I am moving back and forth- Toronto and Hong Kong (where my homeland is). Then thirdly, it involves seeing candle from a more academic perspective with the help of Carrier and Appandurai. Lastly, the point that is highlighted here is exploring how the understanding of an individual candle can later be expanded into a wider scope among the different ethnic groups like Chinese, Jewish and African Americans; religion, music and DIY.
Definitions of Candle
Before digging into the actual candle that this essay is aiming to discuss about, it will be interesting to find out the different definitions of a candle that can relate to. In the book “Red Candles”, candle represents a person when “Red Candle” is a poem in 2nd part and section of the book. There is a line at the top of the first page of the poem which says “When the candle turns to ashes the tears begin to dry up”; there is a sentiment of sorrow when the candle turns to ashes and here it can talk about the person (poet) has turned into ashes. A phrase taken from another book called “Candles in the Night”- “Light a candle of understanding in your heart”, candle here is an object that carries understanding in your heart which actually shows gentiles’ amazing understanding of Jewish’s expression through stories. Candles in the book “The Story of the Lamp” are one of the stories that represent how light can be illuminated as “lamps”. The story talks about how candles are made and often we have forgotten how light is illuminated when lamp was not even invented yet.
Short History about Candles
Candles have been around human’s history for a long time. They have been used in religious ceremonies, meditations and timekeeping etc. The earliest known candle was believed to originate in China around 200 BC, and was made of whale fat. Candles didn’t appear in Europe until sometime after 400 AD, due to largely to the availability of olive oil for burning in lamps. The material used to make candles was changed a few times from the 18th to 19th century.
Description of the Candle
The candle that I am using in this essay is a lavender fragrance candle that is contained carefully in a designed box. It weighs 290g, 10.2 Oz and with a dimension of 11cm (h) X 9.3cm (w) X 9.3 (b). The box is made up of thick card-board paper wrapped around with royal purple paper inside and purple paper outside. There is a white label at the front that says, “LAVENDER FRAGRANCE FONT” with the font style of Lucia Bright and small cursive words that mark “Fine Fragranced Luxury Candles”. On the other side of the box, there is small reminder of warnings in use and directions to use the candle. An elegant royal purple sketching of lavender is also designed all around the box. It is probably produced in a factory with a fine line of production that is hands- free of men labour, a.k.a. , computer- driven. It is made in California, USA and claims to burn for 100+ hours. It states it is exclusively produced for Asquith & Somerset, BS39 5QQ, England. The date of production is not printed on the box. Neither do I know how much the production cost nor the selling price because it is a gift from my friend, Vivian who is in London.
Story about the Candle
Vivian got this gift for me randomly one day from a bookstore in London. She told me she got this gift not intentionally but rather coincidentally how she found this purple, lavender scented candle on a normal day after jogging in London. Even though Vivian and I are far apart physically, we were still able to keep in touch and support each other during the past 3 years of university. Our friendship was not built over night but it has been built up for an at least 6 years altogether. Therefore when she thinks of me often and it is not intentional but rather thoughtful to buy a Christmas gift for me, it really created a huge impact on me, emotionally in particularly.
Since it is a gift given by one of my best friends, this object has been attached with a deep sentimental value. Not only did Vivian get this present for me from a bookstore on an ordinary day in London after jogging but she also instantly thought of me when she saw the purple and lavender scented candle because I am a big fan of the purple lavender scent. The story of how she thought of me without the prior intention of buying a Christmas gift but ended up getting one is particularly smoothing and refreshing. The object has been personalized after hearing the story because the candle is unlike any other kind of candle but one that can light up many memorable but subtle thoughts of Vivian who is miles away in another country. The candle does ignite some yearnings in my soul for Vivian because it is normal to miss someone who is very dear. And according to Burman’s article again, “Yearning” is a future- oriented and galvanizing mode of desire that is later to be distinguished from nostalgic. And to be honest, there are days when I am homesick, and looking at the candle makes me remember Vivian and Hong Kong. The action of looking at and remembering the candle in the end makes me feel better. There is an irony here too when the sentiment of nostalgia also works in a reversed way when looking at the candle stirs up a nostalgic sentiment but after understanding simultaneously it is impossible to see Vivian and to go back to Hong Kong instantly, the sentiment of peace and their “presence” rather usually takes over. It is an interesting fact how the candle can both initiate and mend the sentiment of nostalgia.
I have not burnt the candle yet but I suppose when I start burning the candle, it will be a mixture of feelings. It will first be an enjoyment to see the candle burning, melting and then releasing simultaneously the fragrance of lavender into air. Then later, it will become a sentiment of melancholy because when the candle has started burning, a sentiment of missing Vivian and the place, Hong Kong arises. Knowing how Vivian specifically got the lavender- scented candle for me is wonderful already. Therefore, whenever the candle is burning and I smell the lavender scent, a refreshing and satisfying sentiment eventually arise. The scent is a marker of her careful thoughts about me. When I have blown out the fire on the burning candle, all the sentiments will be put to a stop and a neutral sense of peace will usually be restored. All the sentiments will return when the remaining parts of the candle is lit up and start burning again.
The Candle in a Diasporic Object Perspective
Objects can simply be of one utility and humans have material needs when objects can satisfy them. (Carrier, 1995) Objects, particularly consumer goods begin to enter into more private and female realms once they are produced. This understanding of objects appears as there is the growth in “consumption” in social sciences which explore the interest in people’s relationships with objects. And the candle that I am talking about is indeed this kind of object when it enters into a more private and female realm as this candle is attached with personal sentiments between my friend Vivian and me. It is true that it is impossible for people to think about objects if we don’t attend to the ways that objects bestows distinction upon the owner. (Carrier, 1995) According to Appandurai (1986), he thinks economic exchange creates value. Value is embodied in commodities that are exchanged, rather than simply on the forms or functions of exchange, which make it possible to argue that what creates the link between exchange and value is politics, construed broadly. I agree that there is value in economic exchange because it is the most obvious manner of understanding value. However, I think in the form of exchange, in this context is my friendship between Vivian and myself, it is undeniable that there is a sentimental value that is embodied through this exchange too. And Carrier mentioned that objects implicated in personal relationships are gifts. He further explained that commodities are not oriented to the physical production of objects for such production is important in all societies, but they are supposed to be oriented to the social production of objects. (Carrier, 19) In order to see gifts in a clearer framework, Carrier continued explaining the gift exchange here is oriented to the system of social reproduction, thus explain with reference to the social conditions of the reproduction of people.
The thought of conducting interviews was considered but because of the object I am studying here is candle, which is a little bit too specific. Interviewees are thus difficult to find which results in the fact that my own experience with the lavender- scented candle will be the only example throughout this study. Carrier could also explain in academic terms how gifts can still create a sense of sentimentality in the mixture of bizarre commercialization and sentimentality. The gift also addresses the nature of the relationship that links those who transact the object and the nature of the relationship between person and objects. And in this context, it will be the friendship Vivian and I have for each other.
Candles and Ethnic Groups (Chinese & Jewish)
However, from my personal example of understanding the sentimental value of the candle as a gift which connects my transnational experience between Toronto and Hong Kong, candles can also be a kind of objects which connect groups of ethnic people together, for example: the Jewish and Chinese. In “Red Candle” book, the candle represents a person who is possibly a Chinese poet going through some sorts of hardship, obstacle and the poet is forced to respond to these things. In “Candles in the Night” book, the candle represents the significant light of understanding that is required which the Gentile has for the understanding of the Jews and this has displayed the Gentile’s extraordinary intellectual independence and moral courage. Due to the intense and dramatic history of the Jews, for Gentiles to write such writing to understand the Jews is not easy but it is most probably very thoughtful and dramatic too.
Candles and African-American Heritage
Not only do candles connect the Chinese and the Jewish (ethnic) people, candles are also capable of connecting and strengthening diasporic communities such as African Americans. There is a weeklong celebration held in the US honouring universal African-American heritage and culture, which is observed from 26th December to 1st January every year. During the celebration, a candle holder will be lighted up with 7 candles and culminates in a feast and gift giving. It was created by Maulana Karenga and was first celebrated in 1966 - 1967. Therefore, this celebration is an example of how candles have a function to bring communities, in this context, it is the African- American together and eventually reproduce themselves to be a significant group of citizens in the US. Through lighting up candles during celebration, it helps African- Americans to celebrate their victory in gaining a significant territory in the US as well as remembering where they come from- their homeland a.k.a. Africa (Different parts of Africa).
Candles and Religion
In Christianity, candles can be used for decoration and ambience, as a symbol to represent the light of God as well. Other religions like Sikhism, Buddhism, Hinduism use candles for ceremonial and celebrative reasons too. My friend first intended to buy this for me to use it during meditation of the Bible as well as a fancy decoration for my room. The purpose of candle in Christianity that has existed long time ago is translated into the purpose of my candle now and today.
Candles and Music
Candles can also be a kind of object to express a certain kind of sentiment through music. 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 (http://www.youtube.com
/watch?v=1vPBluieS6w), 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/
Candles and DIY
Comparing from the society in the past to today’s, there is 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_Material
It 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.
ConclusionAll in all, this study has certainly helped me to see and understand objects in a multi-dimensional way. Since “Diaspora” is a term that is used to describe the transnational connections between people and homeland, it can cover a lot more spaces and the people that are around. It expands the relationship between the object and the owner (From simply a friendship) to how the object can be related to so many other things in the world such as Chinese people, Jewish people, religion, Music and DIY. In this study, the object- candle has connected people together in different forms (as mentioned above) while creating different kinds of sentiments altogether. The emotional sentiment that attaches on the object makes the object more than just an object. Sentiment is a by-product of the relationship that is linked between the owner and the object. It might not necessarily be as steady as the connections that object can give to link the things together because sentiment is a yearning and it is inherently emotional.
Bibliography:
(1) I- to, Wen. Red Candles. Richard Clay (The Chaucer Press), 1972. Print
(2) F. W., Robins. The Story of the Lamp (And the Candle). Oxford University Press, 1939. Print
(3) James G., Carrier. Gifts and Commodities- Exchange and Western Capitalism since 1700. Routledge, 1995. Print
(4) Joseph L., Baron. Candles in the Night. The Jewish Publication Society of America, 1940. Print
(5) Appadurai, A. (1986) Introduction: Commodities and the Politics of Value in A. Appadurai (ed) The Social Life of Things: Commodities in Cultural Perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Pp. 3-63.
(6) Jenny, Burman. Remittance: Or, Diasporic Economies of Yearning. Small Axe 12, 2002. Print. Pp 49-71.
(7) Wikipedia for DIY:
a. http://www.victorystore.com/dyo/candles/ http://candles.lovetoknow.com/Candle_Making_Material
(8) Link to Music:
a. http://www.lyricsreg.com/lyrics/hey+monday/Candles+lyrics/
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