Scented candles are now seen as essential to modern comfort. They warm rooms, calm the spirit, and evoke memories with a single flicker. But have you ever wondered, when were scented candles invented?
At Aurié Luxe Co., we believe in tracing the story behind every scent. To understand where scented candles come from is to understand why they remain such a soulful part of our lives. From ancient ceremonies to contemporary self-care, the story of fragrance and flame has deep roots.
Ancient Beginnings: The First Use of Fragrant Light
Long before candles lit up dinner tables or spa days, civilizations used fragrance in ritualistic and sacred ways.
Egypt and the Temple Flame
As early as 3000 BCE, ancient Egyptians used oil lamps infused with aromatic resins like myrrh and frankincense. Though not candles in the modern sense, these lamps served spiritual and aromatic purposes, often burned during prayers and burial rites.
Rome and the Rise of Wax
The Romans refined the idea further. They created tallow candles and occasionally added herbs or oils for ceremonial use. While these lacked the complexity of modern scented candles, the desire to combine light and aroma was already in motion.
China and the First Molded Candles
In ancient China, molded wax candles were created using whale fat and aromatic plants. These early forms often held symbolic meaning, used in meditation and festivals.
The Middle Ages to the 19th Century: Scent for the Sacred and the Privileged
By the Middle Ages, beeswax candles were introduced in Europe. Naturally aromatic and smokeless, they were preferred for churches and royal events. These candles were luxurious and rare, often associated with wealth and spiritual significance.
In contrast, common households used smokier, unscented tallow candles. Fragrance was a privilege, not yet a household staple.
It wasn’t until the 19th century, with the advent of stearin and paraffin wax, that cleaner-burning, more affordable candles became widely available. Yet even then, scent remained largely unintegrated.
The 20th Century: The Birth of the Modern Scented Candle
The true answer to when scented candles were invented, in the way we recognize today, is the mid-20th century.
By the 1960s and 70s, fragrance oils were introduced into candle production. This sparked a shift—candles were no longer just sources of light. They became home accessories, mood-setters, and personal gifts.
By the 1990s, luxury candle brands emerged, and scented candles became synonymous with wellness, relaxation, and self-expression. Fragrance layering and storytelling began to take center stage, laying the foundation for artisan brands like ours.
Aurié Luxe Co.: Continuing the Story of Scent
At Aurié Luxe Co., we see ourselves as part of this long history—modern keepers of an ancient tradition. Our candles are hand-poured with coconut-soy wax and perfumer-grade oils, inspired by the richness of heritage and the complexity of emotion.
If you’re drawn to candles that do more than smell good—candles that carry meaning, memory, and story—explore a few of our signature offerings.
A Few Recommendations for Timeless Scent Lovers
Motia
Our tribute to jasmine, long revered in both South Asian and Middle Eastern traditions. A delicate yet radiant scent that recalls ancient gardens and midnight prayer.
Mystic Oud
Rich, smoky, and spiritual. This scent nods to centuries of oud burning in sacred rituals and royal courts across the East.
Sabr – The Essence of Patience
From our Serenity Collection, this candle reminds us that light and stillness have always walked together.
Qawwali Nights
Inspired by musical evenings under lantern light, this fragrance blends spice and soul in perfect harmony.
Final Thoughts: A Tradition That Burns On
So, when were scented candles invented? The answer spans centuries. From ancient oils burned in temples to the elegant fragrance blends of today, scented candles have evolved—but the purpose remains the same.
They illuminate, they soothe, they mark our rituals and enrich our stories.
And at Aurié Luxe Co., we’re honored to continue that tradition—with each match lit, each flame dancing, each scent stirring something timeless within you.
Explore the full Heritage Collection to find your own place in the history of fragrant light.