CANDLES IN OLDEN TIMES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19119, 11 July 1930, Page 10

CANDLES IN OLDEN TIMES.

Used as Clocks. Candlesticks were among the most beautiful yet practical articles of the household equipment of the ancients. Candles have been made of palm and coconut oils, spermaceti and paraffin, but the first ones were made of wax. In King Alfred’s day, as there were no clocks, wax candles are said to have been used to measure time. They were notched all round, and the burning from one notch to another marked the passing of an hour. And at Auctions. Candles were used at auctions in the middle ages. At important sales the auctioneers used small wax tapers that burned in about five minutes. As soon as a buyer made a bid, a candle was lighted and placed in full view of all in the room. When another bid was made, the flame was extinguished and a fresh taper lit for the new bidder. This plan was used to prevent dispute among bidders, and is said to survive to-day in rural districts of France. Candle Superstitions. Among superstitions concerning candles are:— If a candle is sooty, or shows a spark in the wick when blown out. it is a sign that a letter is on the way; moisten the finger and touch the spark—if it comes off on your finger, the letter is for you. If a candle smokes, or burns blue, it signifies a death. “ Wish upon a candle on blowing it out. If it glows long you will get Other old beliefs are: “If the wick does not light readily, wet weather may be expected; and if the flame wanes without visible cause, windy weather is indicated.”