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Scented candles held a special place in many hearts and homes for a very long time. They offer more than simply a flicker of light. Each candle, with its distinct scent, has the ability to take you to another time and place, invoking memories both treasured and forgotten. Scented candles can vividly bring these memories to life.

Your sense of smell is inextricably tied to your memories and emotions, making scented candles an effective tool for absorption and introspection. The perfect aroma can change a space, producing an ambiance that relaxes, energizes, or simply urges you to linger for a while. Embracing these scents, you can immerse yourself in any moment, guided only by your emotions and how the experience plays out. Scented candles offer a sensory experience unlike any other, and brighten your environment and your soul.

The Rich History of Scented Candles

The history of scented candles is an intriguing journey through time, showing human inventiveness and our need for comfort, ambiance, and scented sensations. Candles have been used since ancient Egypt, when they were lit with reeds drenched in animal fat. Egyptians are also credited with developing some of the first known perfumes by combining essential oils with wax to produce scented compounds. In ancient Rome, candles were made with rolled papyrus immersed in melted tallow or beeswax. While these candles were primarily used for illumination, scents were occasionally added to conceal the offensive smell of tallow.

During the Middle Ages, candlemaking got increasingly polished across Europe. The principal components were tallow (animal fat) and beeswax. Beeswax candles were popular among the church and the wealthy because of their nice scent and clean burn. The discovery of spermaceti (a waxy substance derived from sperm whales) in the 16th and 18th centuries resulted in the development of improved candles. These candles burnt brighter and cleaner, with less odors. It was also at this time that perfumers in France began experimenting with adding aromas to candles, resulting in the modern scented candle.

Candle-making advanced significantly in the nineteenth century with the introduction of stearin wax, which is obtained from animal fats, and paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. Candles became more affordable and accessible because of the new materials or ingredients being used. Scented candles gained popularity as manufacturers added essential oils and fragrances to enhance the candle-burning experience.

The scented candle market had a surge during the 1980s and 1990s, thanks to the advent of luxury brands and the use of natural ingredients. The emphasis on wellness and self-care has led to an increase in the use of scented candles for relaxation and ambiance. Scented candles are becoming a popular fixture in many homes, and they come in a variety of scents and designs. One of the advancements is the use of sophisticated fragrance combinations to generate nuanced and distinctive aromas, as well as soy wax, which is more environmentally friendly and burns cleaner than paraffin.

Scented candles have come a long way since their ancient beginnings. They are not used only as light source, but also as powerful tools for creating mood, triggering memories, and infusing your home with delectable aromas.

How Do Scented Candles Benefit Your Health and Well-Being?

The pleasant smells of scented candles can help relieve stress and promote relaxation. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are known for their calming effects, which help to lower cortisol levels and create a quiet environment. Lighting a candle and breathing its relaxing smell is a simple yet effective method to relax after a busy day.

Certain smells, like lavender and vanilla, have been found to increase sleep quality. These scents can help calm the mind and body, making it easier to fall and remain asleep. Using scented candles in the evening can assist to establish a relaxing bedtime routine and improve overall sleep hygiene.

Scented candles can improve mood and emotional wellness. Citrus, peppermint, and eucalyptus fragrances can energize and boost the soul while rose and jasmine scents can create feelings of happiness and contentment.

Many scented candles are meant to provide unique medicinal advantages. Peppermint and Eucalyptus can cleanse your sinuses and improve respiratory function while citrus smells can increase vitality and attention.

Certain smells, like peppermint and rosemary, may improve mental clarity and focus. Incorporating these scents into workstations or study places may help people stay focused and productive. The aroma of a candle can act as a mild but effective stimulant for cognitive function.

Scents are strongly associated with memory and emotion. Lighting a fragrance candle that reminds you of a specific experience or location can assist to create a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. This emotional connection can create a sense of stability and security, particularly in difficult circumstances.

Adding aromatic candles to mindfulness or meditation exercises may enhance the whole experience. The aroma can help to create a peaceful environment, allowing you to concentrate on the present moment and achieve a deeper level of relaxation. The ritual of lighting a candle can also serve as a mindful practice in itself.

Certain candles made from natural ingredients, like beeswax or soy, can help purify the air. They may produce negative ions that neutralize toxins and pollutants, improving indoor air quality. However, it’s important to choose candles made from non-toxic materials to avoid any negative impact on health.

Incorporating scented candles into daily life can thus contribute to improved well-being, providing a range of physical, emotional, and psychological benefits.

The Fragrant Path of Aerangis

For Alicia Tsai, the founder of Aerangis, evoking meaningful memories through scent is a frequent occurrence. Collaborating with renowned perfumers, she crafts Aerangis’ scented candles to invite people worldwide to recall their own special moments. Inspired by her personal experiences, the Signature Collection fragrances, along with bespoke options, turn the simple act of lighting a candle into a meaningful ritual.
Alicia’s passion for sophisticated scents that inspire human connections led her to name Aerangis after a white, star-shaped orchid that ignited her obsession with perfume. Aerangis aims to unlock core memories buried under everyday worries and eternalize moments worth remembering.

Alicia was raised in Taiwan and lived in a traditional three-gneration household with her
parents and grandparents. Her grandfather, a natural entrepreneur with a keen eye for beauty, awakened her interest in fragrance with his stunning Japanese garden and orchid-filled greenhouse. A watershed event occurred when he handed her a little, white orchid grown specifically for her, making an indelible impact and igniting her love of smells.

To help others tell their personal stories through fragrance, Alicia attended the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Cosmetics and Fragrance Program in New York and worked with world-renowned perfumers. She founded Aerangis, combining her qualifications, life purpose, and a no-compromise approach to create non-toxic, plant-based, eco-conscious, and cruelty-free products.

Aerangis believes in the power of scents that tell tales and sees itself as a beacon of authenticity. Each candle comes with a biodegradable paper dust cover embedded with wildflower seeds, which bloom into fragrant flowers, providing a full-circle moment. Alicia stresses the human element in each handcrafted candle jar created at Taiwan's famous Shuili Snake Kiln. Aerangis' stylish and eco-conscious offerings are designed to recall fond memories and create significant conversations.

The Beginning

This clean and comforting scent harmonizes the fresh green notes of the Aerangis Orchid with pure white florals, creating a delicate yet invigorating fragrance. The top notes of Aerangis orchid, bergamot, jasmine, and green leaves provide a fresh, uplifting start. The blend of jasmine, sampaguita flower, rose, and lily of the valley adds an amazing and wonderful floral richness. The additions of white flowers, sandalwood, and musk as base notes lend the fragrance a softness and warmth.

This is the smell that started it all, prompted by recollections of Alicia's beloved grandfather. As a child, she spent every day in his greenhouse, where he diligently tended his orchid collection. Recognizing her growing interest, he gave her an Aerangis Orchid to care for—a magnificent, star-shaped flower that emits a peaceful, reassuring perfume in the evening.This fragrance evokes the spirit of those priceless moments, bringing to life the warmth and love that permeated that greenhouse. It is a tribute to Alicia's time with her grandfather, the orchid she raised, and their wonderful bond.

Seven Miles

Velvety and sensual, this floral fragrance captures the essence of orange jasmine, enhanced by notes of white gardenia, silky musk, and citrus blossoms. As the candle burns, ylang-ylang and hints of sticky nectar meld together, evoking memories of Taiwan’s tropical, humid evenings. The top notes of aldehydes, petit grain, and honey offer a bright and dynamic beginning. The fragrance's heart combines gardenia, ylang-ylang, and orange blossom, creating a luscious and appealing flowery aroma. Violet, vetiver, cedarwood, and musk act as base notes, adding a subtle, long-lasting warmth to the aroma.

When Alicia returned to Taiwan for the first time since relocating to New York, she was immediately greeted by the familiar, creamy scent of orange jasmine, a common plant locally known as “Seven Miles” due to its far-reaching fragrance. This evergreen shrub grows abundantly in the neighborhood where she grew up. Now, whenever Alicia smells its characteristic aroma, especially on a humid evening, she is immediately transported home. The aroma evokes strong recollections of her childhood, the lush greenery of her surrounds, and the cozy feeling of being at home.

The Goodness Within

Aerangis candles are created with sustainably-sourced, premium ingredients. The lead-free cotton wicks ensure a safe and clean burn. They are plant-based and free of synthetic colors, parabens, and phthalates, which promotes environmental consciousness. Each candle is hand-poured in small batches to ensure precise attention to detail and adherence to the company's high standards. This exact approach guarantees that each candle burns evenly and delivers a rich, fragrant experience while reducing environmental effect.

Discover the Magic of Aerangis Candles

Scented candles can send you back to particular points in your life, evoking vivid memories that may be both relaxing and nostalgic. The right aroma has the incredible ability to immerse you in those experiences, allowing you to relive them through your sense of smell.

Every candle at Aerangis is crafted with a great devotion to both evoking these valuable memories and protecting the environment.

Embrace the power of scent to enrich your life and connect with your past. Explore Aerangis’s collection of meticulously crafted candles and discover how each fragrance can transform your space into a sanctuary of memories. Light a candle today and let the journey of your senses begin.

* In partnership with our friends at Aerangis LLC* Photo courtesy of Aerangis LLC
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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