Candlemaker

/ˈkændəlˌmeɪkər/ noun

Definition

A person whose job is to make candles by hand, typically using tallow or wax.

Etymology

Compound of 'candle' and 'maker' (from Old English 'macian'). This occupation was extremely common before industrial production, with candlemakers being essential tradespeople in medieval and early modern towns.

Kelly Says

Candlemakers were so important that they formed their own guilds in medieval Europe and had specific regulations about quality and materials—they were basically the lightbulb manufacturers of their time!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Candlemaking was predominantly female labor (domestic, underpaid) historically, yet 'candlemaker' defaults masculine by convention. Guild records show women candlemakers were often uncredited or listed under family names.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'candlemaker' for any gender; consider 'chandler' as traditional gender-neutral alternative.

Inclusive Alternatives

["chandler","candlemaker (any gender)"]

Empowerment Note

Women dominated candlemaking as domestic and commercial work; recognize their skilled labor contributions that shaped early industrial production.

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