A candelabrum (plural candelabra but also used as the singular form) is a candle holder with multiple arms.[1][2][3] "Candelabra" can be used to describe a variety of candle holders including chandeliers. However, candelabra can also be distinguished as branched candle holders that are placed on a surface such as the floor, stand, or tabletop. The chandeliers, on the other hand, are hung from the ceiling.[4]
The Romans used the term to describe a form of ornamental lighting,[5] which may be a tall stand that supports a lamp. In Judaism, the menorah and hanukkiah are special kinds of candelabra. Candelabra are also used in churches, in ceremonies such as Tenebrae, in certain Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church liturgy such as the dikirion and trikirion. Candelabra in the form of branched candlesticks also became popular in homes as decorative lighting.
In modern times, electricity has largely relegated candleholders to decorative use in homes. The interior designers nowadays continue to model light fixtures and lighting accessories after candelabra and candlesticks. The term ‘candelabra’ is commonly used to describe small light bulbs used in chandeliers and other lighting fixtures made for decoration as well as lighting.
- ^ Shorter Oxford English dictionary, 6th ed. United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. 2007. p. 3804. ISBN 978-0199206872.
- ^ "candelabra". Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
- ^ "Candelabrum - Define Candelabra at Dictionary.com". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
- ^ Hollandbeck, Andy (17 November 2022). "In a Word: Shedding Some Light on Candle Holders". The Saturday Evening Post.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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