Why were beeswax candles burnt in churches?
In the past beeswax was involved in many aspects of life and greatly used by religious communities for the souls of the departed; for the high altars in churches. Such was the demand in medieval times that wax suppliers in their endeavour to meet the market requirements became influential and prosperous. It was the wish and law of the Church that candles, which were used on the altar in liturgical functions, be made from pure beeswax. However, because of difficulties of procuring 100% beeswax candles, the law in effect was changed by papal decree that the candle be comprised of at least 51% beeswax. It is not surprising then that traditionally beeswax was always regarded as a superior candle and was afforded only by the privileged royalty and church. Today beeswax candles are considered an affordable luxury, prized as a renewable resource and an air purifier.
