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Candles have
been around for many years. The earliest candles were thought to be
made around 2500 B.C.. These first candles were made with vine fibers
and dipped in resins and wax. Early Pioneers in America used animal
fat to make candles. Certain animal fats were better than others because
they didn't have a bad odor, or were harder and wouldn't melt. In order,
their preferences were beef, mutton (sheep), bear, deer, moose, and
elk. Pig fat was the last choice because it was very soft and would
melt on hot days. The pioneers also thought that candles could predict
the weather, good fortune, or tell when the family was safe. When the
candlelight turned blue, it was believed that ghosts would walk. At
Squire Boone Caverns, candles are made from paraffin in 23 colors with
22 different scents. The white candle is unscented for people who are
allergic to fragrances. You can also try your hand at dipping your own
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Soap was used
as early as 2000 B.C. Rather than for cleaning, it was used as a scent
or ointment that was rubbed on the skin. It was first discovered to
be a cleaning agent around 1000 B.C.. There are three main ingredients
in lye soap - water, lye, and lard or tallow. Soap making depends on
a very sensitive chemical reaction which requires pure water. The pioneers
used rainwater, which they collected in barrels. At Squire Boone Caverns
we make lye soap all summer long. One batch makes about 500 bars of
soap. It is good for cleaning, killing chiggers, treating poison ivy,
washing hair and removing stains from clothes. |
