What’s a Chandler? (And Why That Word Still Matters Today)
Did you know that a candle maker is called a chandler? It's a word you don’t hear every day, but it has a cool history. The term comes from the Old French word chandelier, which meant a person who made or sold candles. Later, it also became the word for those fancy hanging lights—chandeliers—because they used to hold lots of candles!
Way before electricity, candles were the main way people lit their homes, especially in large houses and castles. In those grand homes, there was often a person in charge of all the candles. This chandler didn’t just make them—they kept track of how many were used, when they needed to be replaced, and how to store them safely. It was a trusted and important job.
Candle Making Today
These days, a chandler is still a candle maker, but the role has evolved into an art and a science. At Begonia & Bench, we think of ourselves as modern chandlers—makers of light, warmth, and comfort in a busy world.
Every candle we make starts with a custom blend of high-quality plant waxes, including some rare types like Japanese rice bran wax. We hand-blend these waxes with unique scents, let them age to improve their scent and performance (kind of like how good cheese or wine improves over time!), and then hand-wrap and package them in recyclable, eco-friendly materials.
We're not just pouring wax—we're creating something that feels meaningful to light. Each candle is made with care, purpose, and a little spark of joy.
So next time you light a candle, think of the chandlers—past and present—who make it possible.