Various hanging chandeliers made of gold and crystal
The Latin word candelābrum came to Spanish as candelabrum . The term refers to a candlestick that has at least two arms or branches .
Candlesticks and candles
To know what a candlestick is, therefore, you must first focus on the idea of a candlestick. This is the name given to an object that allows a candle or candle to be held upright.
Candles and candles are elements made with paraffin or wax that, on their axis, have a wick or wick . When you light this wick, they serve to illuminate.
Once the wick is lit, it is necessary that the candle remains upright to avoid accidents . For this, candlesticks are used, which have a foot attached to a hollow cylinder where the candle is placed.
Candlesticks, in this context, are useful when you want to light several candles simultaneously. As they have two or more arms, a candle can be placed in each one, thus obtaining more light .
Coexists with electric light
After the arrival of electrical energy , chandeliers lost their daily importance. However, they are still used when there is a power outage or when you want to create a special atmosphere (for example, for a romantic dinner).
In ancient times, however, candelabras were essential utensils. In many cases they were true works of art, since some pieces were made of gold and decorated with precious stones . Of course, these candelabras were not present in every home, but in palaces.
It should be noted that candlesticks are also used for burning aromatic substances . In these cases, they were usually smaller than those intended for lighting .
Furthermore, although its main material is usually some type of metal, with which its structure and arms are manufactured, today it is possible to find a wide variety of models with very attractive designs, some of which incorporate, for example, glass parts that help disperse the light emitted by the candles. As with many other products, they exist in a wide range of prices, from affordable for any pocket to those that are considered exclusive items.
The menorah
The Hebrew culture has among its characteristic features a seven-branched candelabrum known as the menorah , which is described in the book of Exodus in the Bible. We should not confuse it with the hanukkiah , which has nine arms and is used on Hanukkah.
It is a ritual object of great importance for the Jewish religion , since it is a very ancient symbol. Its creation dates back to the time that followed the Exodus. According to tradition, Yahweh himself devised the menorah and commissioned a craftsman named Bezalel to make it, the same as the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle .
The menorah is a seven-branched Jewish candelabrum.
If we base ourselves on the books of Isaiah and Zechariah , this Jewish candlestick symbolizes the divine spirit . The Bible tells us that the menorah was first in the Tabernacle and, later, in the Temple in Jerusalem. It was one made with pure gold and worked with a hammer. It is worth mentioning that this peculiar symbol is also found in the book of Revelation , present in the New Testament .
Outside of the written evidence of the menorah, we can see it in many works of art from other areas, such as painting and epigraphy. Among the oldest we find the bas-relief of the Arch of Titus , erected in the year 82, where the victor is seen carrying the menorah as a symbol of his victory.