Before the beginning of recorded history,
Hemp Wick lighters played a major role in many different cultures.

They served as candles and candle like devices, and also served
many other uses that are still around today, such as pipe lighters.
Basically, Hemp Wick lighters served as people’s primary source of light and
heat for centuries, before the discovery and implementation of electric light.

The first people recorded to have used Hemp Wicks are the ancient
Egyptians, as the letter “H” was represented by a picture of a Hemp Wick
in Egyptian hieroglyphics. This simple yet profound symbol of our
modern day lighters can be located on ancient walls,
clay tables, and jewelry throughout Egypt.

In the Middle Ages, beeswax secreted by honeybees came into use. It was easy to see right away why these beeswax candles were superior to the previously used tallow candles.

These new beeswax candles not only burned pure and clean, they also did not produce a smoky flame or emit a bitter odor when burned.

Unfortunately, these beeswax candles were expensive, and therefore, could only be enjoyed by the wealthy.