The origins of beekeeping date back thousands of years.
Aboriginal cultures already carried out beekeeping activities to satisfy various uses, mainly for consumption and medicine. Although, its utilities are numerous.
One of the uses of beeswax is to use it for the production of candles and candles. Without going any further, according to some experts, beekeeping began as a technique to produce them.
What was the origin of the production of candles?
Practiced since ancient times, beekeeping became an important activity at that time, since it allowed multiple products to be obtained. Some well known and useful, like honey.
Although, in addition to this, one of the most valuable products provided by beekeeping was beeswax. It was discovered that when melted and poured into molds, the wax was used to create candles and tapers. At that time this aspect was really important, since those candles provided light.
Beekeeping, as a technique for the production of candles, has its roots in ancient Egypt.
There is numerous evidence and archaeological evidence that confirms this fact, using beeswax to obtain candles as a source of lasting light.
The Egyptians developed, throughout history, various optimal techniques and procedures that allowed them to access the wax and honey in the hives, without harming the bees. In this way, beekeeping became an important activity in the society of ancient Egypt, carried out by a large part of the population.
Beeswax, in addition to being used in the manufacture of candles and candles, had other applications, such as the preparation of balms, cosmetics, and various other ointments.
Beeswax in modern candle production
Currently, beekeeping has not lost importance when it comes to making quality beeswax candles or candles. These products are especially valued thanks to their natural aroma, or the warmth of their light, properties that beeswax gives them.
Unlike paraffin candles, candles made from beeswax do not contain chemicals that are toxic when burned. That is why beeswax candles are much healthier.
Today, modern beekeeping focuses on pampering bees, promoting their good health to thus contribute to quality wax. Among the care provided by beekeepers to these small animals is the application of advanced techniques that protect them from diseases or pesticides. In addition, efforts are made to protect them while the wax and honey are collected. For this, the techniques currently carried out by these professionals are usually sustainable.
¿Cómo es la elaboración de velas de cera de abeja?
How is the making of beeswax candles?
It is a procedure that involves several phases.
- First, the beekeeper collects the wax from the hives. This is melted, with the aim of discarding any kind of impurity.
- Next, the liquid wax is poured into molds, later inserting the wicks.
- After a reasonable time for them to cool, the candles are removed from the moulds, proceeding to trim the excess of the wicks and they would be ready for use.
What does the quality of the candles depend on?
The quality of a beeswax candle will depend, fundamentally, on its purity. Likewise, it is convenient to pay due attention and care to the process of making the candle. These are the two essential factors to obtain a quality wing.
Finally, it is important that beekeepers use adequate procedures to guarantee the quality of the beeswax, as well as, by candle manufacturers, the application of adequate techniques and procedures that do not alter the properties of the wax.
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