The Definition or Meaning of "Candelabra"
"Let there be light and something to hold it," stated a craftsman in the tenth century. It is the perfect description of a candelabra, Latin for candle holder, that is almost as old as candles. Virtually abandoned since the invention of electric light in the early 1900s, the candelabra made a design come-back in the 1950s. A decorative candelabra remains an elegant symbol, and an important part of modern interior design and religious ceremonies. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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In 300 B.C. clay candle holders were the first utility light or candelabra used to light homes in Egypt, Greece and Rome. In the 1700s, French craftsmen fled to England to escape religious persecution bringing their skills at a time when silver production peaked. Elaborate in design, a silver candelabra remained an item for the affluent until 20th-century automation made it easier to mass-produce cheaper versions. Candelabra popularity waned during the Great Depression and World War II but emerged as an interior design accessory in the 1950s.
Function
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Candelabras served as a main source of light in homes and churches until electric lighting. Most homes had a candelabra in every room. A fixture in religious ceremonies, the traditional seven arm candelabra signified the seven days of creation, and is used in many services such as baptisms and weddings. The Hanukkah menorah has nine arms. Eight candles are lit, one every night to represent the burning of oil for one day. The ninth candle in the middle lights the other candles.
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Types
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A candelabra consists of multiple candle holders joined together on a pedestal, and the main types are the tabletop and floor models. A tabletop candelabra is 12 to 18 inches tall, and holds two to eight candles. The floor model can stand up to 4 feet with one to twenty holders. The popular aisle candelabra, usually with three candles, is most often used in weddings. Finishes range from the practical wrought iron and pewter to the more expensive brass and costly solid silver candelabra.
Construction
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A candelabra was originally constructed using a cheap die-cast method with thin sheets of silver that resulted in cracks and holes. In the late 1700s, better casting techniques replaced the hollow pieces with solid silver ones. The branches were unscrewed from the base for polishing. Different styles of branches could be attached to change the look of the piece. The final small piece mounted on the top was detachable and was used to extinguish the candles. Modern candelabras are crafted in a sophisticated variation of the solid casting method.
Style
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The candelabra design represents an ornate floral or plant motif resulting in the nickname "Tree of Life." The branches extend from the pedestal in a variety of styles. The traditional horizontal version is the oldest style, while the angled style has the branches at a slant. The modern free-form style uses shapes like a heart, a cascade or circles to create a one-of-a kind candelabra.
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References
- Photo Credit candlestick image by angelo.gi from Fotolia.com
