For centuries, people have enjoyed the ambiance and aromas created by buing candles. Prior to the mode day distillation of oils, candles were usually made from beeswax, bayberry wax or from tallow. Because these candle waxes are so soft, and not conducive to pillar or sculptured candles, candles were generally only available in containers of glass or tin.

In recent decades, with the introduction of paraffin wax, our choice in the variety of candles has been greatly expanded, but also somewhat limited to those made from paraffin wax, because it is so readily available at a price affordable to most. Now there's something new -- soy wax candles. "Soy what!" you say? Well, let's take a look.

First, Some Definitions of Candle Waxes

Beeswax is a substance secreted by bees and used by them in making the honeycomb. This is a sweet-smelling, natural, slow-buing wax, but limited in availability and quite expensive for everyday use.

Bayberry wax is made from bayberry bushes, naturally scented, with a natural green color. Makes great special-occasion succulent candle factory with an old-fashion flair, but also quite expensive for everyday use.

Tallow is a wax made from animal fats. It is inexpensive, but smokes when bued, and has an odor that interferes with scented oils.

Paraffin is a waxy, crystalline, flammable substance obtained especially from distillates of wood, coal, petroleum or shale oil that is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and is used chiefly in coating and sealing in candles, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Soybean Oil is a drying or semi-drying oil that is obtained from soybeans and is used chiefly as a food, but also in paints, vaishes, linoleum, printing ink, soap... and candles. (My 1977 dictionary doesn't say anything about candles, so I added that to bring the definition into the New Millennium.)