iSnare.com - Free Content Articles Directory
Authors Contents [Advanced Search][Add OpenSearch][Job Search]
Distribute your articles to thousands of article sites for only $2 and below! Read more...

Index  Arts and Crafts
 

Catchy, Interesting, And Historical Candle Phrases

 
[ Contact the Author] [ Send to a Friend] [ Article Publisher] [Make PDF] [ Print] [ Bookmark & Share]
 
Read our Terms of Service before reprinting this article. The submitter specified above has claimed the rights to this article.
Tara Smith

Do to the fact that people like to use candles as a way of helping them relax, perhaps just sitting quietly with a candle and staring into its flame or in the bathroom while steaming in a hot tub of water—a phrase has been born—relaxing with wax. An older candle phrase—cannot hold a candle to means someone isn’t nearly as good as someone else, perhaps at doing something.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable states that there was a positive turn to this phrase, which began in the 16th century or at least it was written down then. The literal meaning was that an assistant held a candle that a superior worked by says Oxford. That is, an apprentice holding the candle for a tradesman with experience to see how to do the work. Many people have heard someone say that Elizabeth is attractive (or whomever), but she can’t hold a candle to Sarah. This expression is said to be of French origin.

Another expression is burning the candle at both ends. This usually means working and staying or just partying all the time. Not worth the candle is an expression that came about before 900 A.D. It means it isn’t worth the effort to try to get someone to see your viewpoint.

Another one is it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. The origin isn’t clear. Darkness is a well-known metaphor for evil. It seems that this age old phrase has a spiritual meaning and possibly a literal meaning too. John Kennedy paraphrased this old saying in one of his speeches. He said, "We are not here to curse the darkness; we are here to light a candle."

Candles have been a part of mankind’s life for an extremely long time and in people all over the world have created candles in different versions. Different types of fat and oil have been the main ingredients in making these candles. People have needed something to light homes, temples, and churches and candles have filled the bill. The relationship between people and candles is ancient. Maybe that is why people still want candles in their homes even when they have electric lights. When gaslight was invented the phrase candlepower immerged. The illuminating power of the gas lamp was measured with a candle standard; candelas were the light of one candle.

Not surprisingly, the word candle has been used in reference to fireworks as in the Roman candle. It is shaped like a cylinder or basically a candle shape and it produces sparks.

People instinctively feel the ancient connection with candles, that may be one of he reasons that they like them so much. It is the important relationship between people and candles that have caused many candle phrases to come into the vernacular of a given time period and many of the phrases persist to this day. Candles have become part of the language and metaphor that we explain our lives through and express our feelings about certain things with the qualities of the lowly but triumphant candle.

Important NoticeDISCLAIMER: All information, content, and data in this article are sole opinions and/or findings of the individual user or organization that registered and submitted this article at Isnare.com without any fee. The article is strictly for educational or entertainment purposes only and should not be used in any way, implemented or applied without consultation from a professional. We at Isnare.com do not, in anyway, contribute or include our own findings, facts and opinions in any articles presented in this site. Publishing this article does not constitute Isnare.com's support or sponsorship for this article. Isnare.com is an article publishing service. Please read our Terms of Service for more information.

Tara Smith is a crafter and candle maker. The head writer and co-owner of the how to make candles article, company Candle Scentsations. Join her as she writes about her passion and shares ideas and tips at her website that carries Candle making tips.

Article Tags: candle [See Dictionary], candles [See Dictionary], people [See Dictionary]
Got a question about this article? Ask the community!
Article published on January 04, 2009 at Isnare.com
 
Rate this article:

Today's Popular Collectibles
Submitted by: Tara Smith

Many individuals like to collect things just for the sheer pleasure of owning certain items, others like to collect items that mean something to them either due to when they were manufactured or maybe due to being related to a certain family member, and then there are those individuals who collect items simply because they know, or think, that they may be worth something some day...

New Ideas For Promoting Your Candle Sales
Submitted by: Tara Smith

Finding new ways to promote her candle business is part of the work a candle seller does It is like any business it has to be promoted to attract new customers...

Handmade Candles From Your Very Own Home
Submitted by: Tara Smith

Everybody knows that candles are an extremely popular simple luxury but few people realize that handmade candles are becoming more and more popular as well...

The Many Uses Of Wholesale Candles
Submitted by: Tara Smith

With the popularity of candles increasing on a fairly constant basis it's no wonder that not only businesses that sell candles but consumers as well are turning to wholesale candles...

What You Need To Know About Candles And The Air You Breath
Submitted by: Tara Smith

It can't be denied that many individuals throughout the world enjoy the beauty of candles but few people know that some candles are not all together good for your health...

The Best Places For Candles In Your Home
Submitted by: Tara Smith

Years and years ago candles were used because they were a necessity but today many individuals use them in their home as a decorative feature and to give the air a nice, fresh scent...

Candles Make Great Holiday Gift Baskets
Submitted by: Tara Smith

Candles can be used for many things but one of their greatest uses is as gifts for various holidays Candles are a fairly inexpensive gift that will allow the receiver to enjoy a small amount of luxury and it won't empty your pocket either...

Wholesale Candles History
Submitted by: Tara Smith

Candles have been being used as far back as before the Middle Ages and were used not only for the visual appeal that is the reason for many of us using them today...

A History of Candle Sconces
Submitted by: Tara Smith

Candles sconces tend to conger up images of dark castles and candle sconces lining the wall every so often...

Wooden Wick Candles: A Sound Surprise
Submitted by: Tara Smith

Many people enjoy the glow of a fireplace with the lights out, staring into the flame mesmerized is a favorite pastime and anyone can appreciate the warmth of a fire coming from a fireplace...

The Association Of Romance And Candles
Submitted by: Tara Smith

Candles are a special light that adds something to a romantic dinner or to the bedroom when romancing your spouse...

Gel Wax Candles and Containers
Submitted by: Tara Smith

Traditionally candles have been made from tallow or animal fat, whale oil, beeswax, paraffin, which is a by-product of refining petroleum, and more recently soy and other vegetable oils...

Candle Lanterns
Submitted by: Tara Smith

There are many kinds of candle lanterns and they have been around for a long time Post candle lanterns are one kind and they come in various styles such as pilgrim, onion, and navigation...

Making Candles in Colonial Times Was Essential
Submitted by: Tara Smith

Candles in Colonial America were a necessity Obviously they didn’t have electricity and oil for lamps was costly...

Richly Scented Candles Are Great For Outdoor Decoration
Submitted by: Tara Smith

It is that time of year again where we friends and family over for barbeques or meals on the patio What would set the mood for these types occasion is, after it dark, to have candles strategically set around for everyone’s enjoyment...

The Insider Secret Fastest Way to Learn to Play Guitar
Submitted by: Jonas Marshall

Everybody is looking for the fastest way to learn to play guitar Guitar seems to be one of those instruments that is easy to play reasonably well within a relatively short time, typically a few weeks...

Top 10 Tips to Start Oil Painting Like a Pro
Submitted by: Ralph Serpe

LEARN HOW TO DRAW You will be amazed at how much learning how to draw will help improve your oil paintings...

Pink Beanie Caps Just For Fun
Submitted by: Maggie Johnson

There are many uses for the adorable classic cap called a beanie cap The cap itself comes in many colors: pink beanie caps, orange beanie caps, and even striped and polka dotted ones...

Red Beanie Caps For Those Red Days
Submitted by: Maggie Johnson

A fun addition to many types of outfits are red beanie caps These small fun hats can put a smile on your face and the faces of all those who see you wearing this brightly colored fashion icon...

Tactical Bucket Caps Are Easy Finds
Submitted by: Maggie Johnson

If you are tired of looking around from place to place for bucket caps or any other kind of caps, you can stop...

White Beanie Caps in Lieu of White Caps
Submitted by: Maggie Johnson

You can be the good guy once again like you played when you were a kid Instead of wearing the white cowboy hat, you and your friends can wear white beanie caps...

Christmas Crafts With Your Inkjet Printer
Submitted by: John Dow

A great way to make Christmas and Holiday decorations and even presents using your inkjet printer and some heat transfer kits...

Great Acting Requires Sincere Effort
Submitted by: Jesse Akre

One of the first true mysteries that children encounter when growing up is trying to understand what acting is all about...

Custom Sign Uses With CNC Routers
Submitted by: Lawrence Reaves

Computer Number Controlled or CNC Routing is the process by which a computer uses a digital design program to control the cuts of a milling machine...

Learn How to Sing From the Diaphragm
Submitted by: Sarah Walther

You must have heard the line “sing from the diaphragm”, but don’t know the exact meaning of it You may ask yourself, how can a diaphragm sing...

Learn to Sing in Tune
Submitted by: Sarah Walther

A lot of professional singers have major problems of singing in tune, though it seems unbelievable but it’s true...

Learn to Sing With Your Heart
Submitted by: Sarah Walther

Nowadays, as you can see, singers who sing with all their heart are always the ones topping the music industry...

Learn to Sing Like a Rockstar
Submitted by: Sarah Walther

Rock music is very popular nowadays, especially among younger generations Young people sing rock music to become in...

In- House Graphic Design Team of Business Card Companies in Ireland
Submitted by: Johnathan Cunnings

The importance of business cards is growing immensely today in Ireland and more and more people are resorting to them for their business needs...

Value of High Quality Business Cards in Ireland
Submitted by: Johnathan Cunnings

A business card is a positive reflection of you and your company to any potential client A poorly designed business card communicates to the prospective customer a very unprofessional image and it signifies the point that one does not value one’s business enough to design a well-presented business card...

Isnare.com Footer Divider

© 2004-2009. Isnare Free Articles - An Isnare Online Technologies Free Articles Project. All Rights Reserved.   Privacy Policy