The below was
stolen taken from an article I read. I hope my fellow punters find it as interesting as I did
Brothel Candles
Brothel candles, also known as match candles, serve as a fascinating artifact from the history of human social customs and the shadowy world of the sex trade in earlier times. This antique box of match candles provides a tangible connection to a bygone era, where they played a crucial role in the operations of brothels. Their primary function was not just to provide light but to measure time in an environment where time was directly equated with money.
Historical Context of Brothel Candles
In the dimly lit corridors of brothels, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, brothel candles were a common tool. Women working in these establishments used these candles to time the sessions with their clients. A man would pay for a session, and in return, a candle would be lit. The burning of the candle marked the duration of the client's stay; once the candle extinguished, the session was over. Each candle was crafted to last approximately 7 minutes, a predefined duration that was understood by both parties.
This method of timekeeping was not only practical but also necessary. In an age before the widespread availability of mechanical clocks and other timekeeping devices, brothel candles offered a simple and effective way to manage time discreetly. They enabled brothel workers to maintain a schedule and ensure fairness both to themselves and their clients, by preventing disputes over the length of a session.
Societal Implications
The use of brothel candles also reflects the societal attitudes of the times. Brothels were both marginalized and integral parts of society, providing not only sexual services but also a space where men could engage in activities seen as inappropriate or unacceptable in other parts of society. The very existence of such candles is a testament to the regulated and business-like nature of brothels, which operated with their own sets of rules and norms within the broader societal framework.
Moreover, these candles highlight the precarious position of women in brothels. While they provided a means to ensure fairness, they also underscored the transactional nature of the interactions within brothels. Women's time and services were commodified, measured by the minute, emphasizing the economic dynamics that underpinned their interactions with clients.
The Artifact Itself
An antique box of brothel candles is a collector's item today, valued not just for its age but for the story it tells about human history. Typically, these candles were small, allowing them to burn down quickly. The box itself would likely be plain or discreetly decorated, reflecting the functional and clandestine nature of its contents. Collecting such items offers a glimpse into the less-discussed aspects of social and economic history, revealing how deeply commercial and personal relationships were intertwined in such environments.
Brothel Candles in Modern Times
Today, brothel candles are often found in museums or private collections. They serve as educational tools, helping to illuminate the daily lives of those who lived in eras far removed from our own. For historians and enthusiasts of antiques, these candles provide a direct link to the past, serving as a physical representation of historical practices and social conditions.
The study and display of such artifacts also encourage discussions about the evolution of societal norms and the history of sex work. In modern times, where the dialogue around sex work involves themes of legality, morality, and human rights, understanding the historical context of such practices can inform current debates and policies.
Conclusion
Brothel candles, as mundane as they may seem at first glance, are steeped in history and rich with stories from the past. They remind us of the complexity of human relationships and the ways in which societies manage, regulate, and commodify human interactions. As artifacts, they challenge us to think about the past not just in terms of major events and figures, but also in terms of everyday objects and the ordinary lives of people.
#HistoryOfSexWork #BrothelCandles #AntiqueCollectibles #TimekeepingHistory #SocialHistory #MuseumFinds #HistoricalArtifacts #19thCenturyHistory #EconomicHistory #WomenInHistory
Hidden Image/Members Only
