Candles were first used in Egypt in 3000 BC. They were made from a thick coating of wax around a wick of cotton yarn. Later, candles were made by covering reeds in animal fat. When lit, this produced smoke - and an appalling smell!

Ireland has a wealth of fascinating folklore associated with candles. For example, a single taper should never be used to light more than two candles, or bad luck will follow.

It's thought unlucky to burn three candles together, although in Ulster three burning candles was the certain sign of a wedding. And, strange to say, knocking a candle out by accident signifies a forthcoming marriage.

Difficulty in lighting a candle is a sign that rain is on the way. If the flame wavers, even though there's no detectable draught, then rain is certainly on the way.

On no account should a candle be lit from the hearth. Anyone doing so will die in poverty. Candles which burn with a sparking wick herald the arrival of a stranger or a letter. And a candle should never be allowed to burn to its very end, as this will invite great misfortune.

Unless it's Christmas Eve, candles should never be left burning in an empty room. However, on Christmas Eve a large candle should be let to burn overnight - to ensure the prosperity of the house over the forthcoming year.

This lovely old Irish tradition comes from a story in which it's said candlelight led the infant Jesus safely through the darkness.