Candle (Spanish: vela, French: bougie, German: Kerze, Greek: κερί) is a light source consisting of a string (the wick) enveloped by a slow-burning substance. Before the electricity era, the candle was a common source of lighting. The candle can be made of paraffin, stearin, beeswax, gel (a mixture of resin and mineral oil), or some plant waxes (like palm or soy). In 1834, Joseph Morgan began to industrialize the production of candles.
The candle is normally used in the religious ceremonies of many different faiths. During Chanukah, Jews light candles each night for eight nights, adding one candle each night.
The Chinese created candles from whale fat during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC).