Historically, candles were an utilitarian item used for artificial lighting before the dawn of the light bulb. In the recent past, candles were looked upon simply as decorative accents for the dining room table. Today, however, candle use covers a much broader spectrum of applications, including:
Home Decorating
Candles offer a quick and easy way to make [...]

The candle flame is the whole reason for the existence of the candle. The light given off by a candle allows us to see through the darkness; it creates romantic or nostalgic ambiance for our living spaces. In our holy places the candle flame symbolizes our faith and devotion. We find calm or vigor from [...]

US candle consumer retail sales for 2001 are projected at $2.3 billion, not including candle accessories.
Paraffin based or synthetic waxes are used in 99% of the candles made today.
Only 1% of domestic candle makers use beeswax. These are primarily for religious purposes where tradition requires a beeswax candle.
U. S. Candle makers use over 120-130 million [...]