Next in our series of the Forgotten Arts of the Old Bazaar is candle making. The earliest known candles originated in China around 200 BCE, and were made from whale fat. The use of candles did not spread in Europe until sometime after 400 CE, due largely to the wide availability of olive oil for burning in lamps.
Candle Making as a Family Business
In order to discover something more about the candle making art, we visited the candle and wedding decorations store of Zoran Tanevski at 77 Pokriena Charshija in the Old Bazaar. Zoran is the third generation of candle makers after he inherited the business and skill from his mother, who had taken over the craft from her father before her. Being born into a family of candle makers, he was introduced to the secrets of candle production in his early childhood. As time passed, his focus widened also to making wedding decorations and icon stands which have grown increasingly in demand in recent years.
Candles For Every Purpose
Zoran’s candles come in various sizes and shapes to fit different purposes including religious rituals, weddings, birthdays, romantic pursuits, and more. They used to be made mostly from wax with an imbedded wick, sometimes aromatic, but now candles are predominantly made of paraffin, which is cheaper and more readily available. Paraffin was first distilled in 1830, and revolutionized candle making, as it was an inexpensive material which produced a high-quality, odorless candle that burned reasonably cleanly.
Besides paraffin and beeswax, candles can also be made from soy, other plant waxes, or tallow (a by-product of beef-fat rendering). A little know fact is that the type of wick and inclusion of any scents and dyes have a much greater impact on the release of compounds and smoke than the base material of the candle itself, so close attention should be paid to these other details.
The most basic production method of candles generally involves melting solid fuel by the controlled application of heat. The liquid is then poured into a mould or a wick is repeatedly immersed in the liquid to create a dipped tapered candle. Often fragrant oils, essential oils or aniline-based dye is added to create variety.
Related Products From Zoran
In addition to candles, Zoran Tanevski also makes many beautiful wedding decorations and candy favor bags, since it is a tradition in Macedonia to give these to young people. They come in different forms and designs, and Zoran has the keen eye of a real artist in making them highly appealing.
Zoran makes many Orthodox religious supplies. Of course he provides candles for use in churches on a daily basis. In addition, he sells prayer bead bracelets (which have progressively risen in popularity), crosses, icon stands, incense burners and the like.
We hope this brief introduction has piqued your curiosity about candle making in the Old Bazaar. If so, please visit Zoran. He is happy to serve you!
Information:
Zoran Tanevski Candle Maker
77 Pokriena Charshija
Old Bazaar
Skopje
Republic of Macedonia
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