What Are Candelabras?
A candelabra is an extravagant holder for multiple candles. Although they were originally invented to provide extra lighting in the days before electricity, today people often use candelabras to create a soft, romantic ambiance at a dinner party, wedding or special gathering. Liberace, who was well-known for his flamboyant style, used his trademark candelabra to decorate his piano. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Origin
-
Candles were invented more than 4,000 years ago. Over time, simple, utilitarian holders evolved into more elaborate and decorative candelabras. Before electricity multiple candles produced extra light to illuminate a dark room. Excavations in Pompeii, Italy, have produced candelabras from ancient times.
Etymology
-
The word candelabra is a derivation of the Latin word "candelabrum" which means candlestick. Candelabrum is the singular form and usually refers to one candlestick. A candelabra holds more than one candlestick on multiple branches and is typically perched on top of a decorative pedestal.
-
Interior Design
-
Although candles have largely been replaced by electricity in most of the world, candelabras are still used today to create a dramatic accent on a tablescape, piano or side table. They are often used at weddings to create a romantic candlelight ceremony. Candelabra unity candles are also quite popular. Candelabras are often seen in church sanctuaries and are part of many religious rituals. The menorah used in the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah is technically a candelabra.
Styles
-
Candelabras come in all shapes and sizes, including extremely fancy versions that hold 20 or more candles. Some include enclosures for tea lights or pedestals for pillar candles, while others are designed to hold a number of tall taper candles. To prevent wax from dripping down the candles, a specially designed metal piece is usually placed around the top of the candle. Candelabras can be made of any material, including silver, gold, brass, copper, iron or crystal. Table top, aisle and and freestanding floor models are available. Aisle candelabras can be attached to anything sturdy, such as the end of a church pew for a wedding. Floor candelabras are usually adjustable so they can be raised to a variety of heights and come in spiral, tree and fan styles.
Famous Ties
-
Liberace always kept ornate his trademark candelabra on his piano when he performed. In addition to his outlandish costumes, the candelabra came to symbolize the flamboyant pianist. An expose about Liberace's life called "Behind the Candelabra," written by a former lover, appeared in 1988.
-
