Candlestick

A candlestick is a device used to hold a candle in place. The name "candlestick" derives from the purpose of the device as a place to secure or "stick" a burning candle. Candlesticks have a cup or a spike ("pricket") or both to keep the candle in place. Candlesticks are less frequently called "candleholders", a word not found in most dictionaries prior to 1960.

For other uses, see Candlestick (disambiguation).
British Neoclassical candlestick, 1774-1775, silver, overall: 29.5 × 15.6 × 15.6 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City)

Before the proliferation of electricity, candles were carried between rooms using a chamberstick, a short candlestick with a pan to catch dripping wax.[1]

Although electric lighting has phased out candles in much of the world, candlesticks and candelabras are still used in homes as decorative elements or to add atmosphere on special occasions.

Religious use

Candles and candlesticks are also used frequently in religious rituals and for spiritual means as both functional and symbolic lights. In Jewish homes, two candles are lit to mark the beginning of the Sabbath at sundown every Friday, hence, candlesticks are often on display. A seven-branched candelabra, known as the menorah, is the national symbol of the State of Israel, based on the candelabra that was used in the Temple in Jerusalem in ancient times. Another special candelabra found in many Jewish homes is the Hanukiah, the Hanukkah menorah that holds eight candles plus an extra one for lighting the others.

Tall candlesticks and altar lamps are often found in Christian churches as well,[2] while a special set of two- and three-branched candelabras called the dikirion and trikirion is used by Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox bishops to bless people at worship services.

See also

References
  1. Snowdon, Louise (August 10, 2017). "What is a Chamberstick?". AC Silver.
  2. "Catholic Encyclopedia: Altar Candlesticks". Retrieved 14 October 2014.
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