Before the discovery of the light bulb, all houses and places were lit with wax candles. There was the function of a lamppost, which was to keep the lampposts in good condition and to light them. At that time, having candles was synonymous with wealth and money. Only the wealthiest families and institutions could afford to have illuminated places.

With the invention of the light bulb, everything changed, and the use of candles is normally restricted to church and decoration, a decoration usually with romantic touches.