Scented Candles: From Functional Objects to Spiritual Rituals
A century after the widespread adoption of electric lighting, candles have made a refined comeback to the centre of Western life. This is not merely a return to basic lighting needs but a cultural transformation from practicality to spirituality—reflecting humanity's deep-seated longing for ritual and spiritual comfort.
Before electricity illuminated every corner, candles were merely a faint yet indispensable source of light. However, as incandescent bulbs blanketed the night, the practical role of candles quietly came to an end. Remarkably, they were not discarded by history but underwent a stunning transformation in the 1970s—the birth of scented candles. Candles no longer served to dispel darkness but became a ‘ritual’ to illuminate the corners of the soul. The Nordic ‘hygge’ culture is a perfect example: in Denmark's long winter nights, flickering candlelight is seen as the soul element that creates a warm, comfortable, and intimate atmosphere. People gather around the candlelight, feeling not just a warm flame but also the carefully nurtured peace and belonging.
‘This tiny flame seems to block out the noise of the world.’ A New York-based psychotherapist described her nightly ritual of lighting scented candles. In the face of modern life's fast-paced pressures, the soft glow and fragrance of candles have become a form of self-healing ritual. The moment a candle is lit, it feels like a pause in work mode, reminding us to enter our own space. According to a 2022 report by the National Candle Association, 78% of consumers use candles for relaxation. Behind this figure lies a collective search for a spiritual ‘pause button.’
While electric lights satisfy our need for illumination, scented candles quietly respond to our longing for emotional warmth—they have evolved from mere lighting tools into spiritual rituals, offering weary modern individuals a sanctuary for their souls amidst the soft glow and fragrance. Every time we light a candle, it serves as a gentle reminder to ourselves: in this hurried world, lighting a lamp for the soul is equally important.
