The islands from the Bahamas happen to be inhabited at one time or any other for more than 1,000 years! From around 900-1500 AD the Lucayan people, who have been a branch of the Tainos, settled here. These were a passive people who had developed valid political, social and religious systems. Unfortunately, as with a number of other areas of the “undiscovered” world, Europeans brought disease and slavery towards the nation of about 40,000 and within 25 years had completely wiped out the whole Lucayan population from the Bahamas.

Approximately 150 years later, English Puritans known as the “Eleutheran Adventurers” arrived here in 1649. Wrecked about the “Devils Backbone” they were instructed to reside in a cave in the northern end of Eleuthera, known now as “Preachers Cave”, until their leader and former governor of Bermuda, Captain William Sayles sailed towards the American colonies in search of assistance. The Massachusetts Bay Colony provided him with sufficient supplies to assist the residents establish settlements and begin their new lives. Area of the group established funds at Governors Harbour and also the remainder went to Spanish Wells and Harbour Island. Grateful for that assistance they received, the settlers shipped Brasiletto wood towards the New England colony – used for the making of Harvard College, a part of the now famous Harvard University.

During this time and in to the early 1700′s, was the age of Piracy. Enter such illustrious characters as Blackbeard, Calico Jack, Anne Bonny and Mary Read. The sheltered harbours and proximity to the shipping lanes made it a perfect location for these high seas bandits! They’d the run of the seas as well as locally in Nassau, where Blackbeard even served as governor of the Pirate Republic for a small amount of time!The King of England, sick and tired of the lawlessness from the Bahamas, appointed Woodes Rogers to serve as the Royal Governor. His job was to restore order, and that he did. He offered amnesty to some 300 pirates, who surrendered – however, those who resisted were hanged. The remaining, including Blackbeard, fled.

More than a century later, American colonists loyal to Britain arrived in The Bahamas, settling within the Abacos, Eleuthera, New Providence, Cat Island and many other islands. Many brought their slaves as well as their building skills and agriculture and shipbuilding expertise. These greatly influenced Bahamian life and still evident today in the older colonial homes found in places like Elbow Cay, Cupids Cay and Harbour Island.

From 1861 to 1865, The Bahamas benefited greatly from the U.S. Civil War. Britain’s textile industry depended on Southern cotton; however, the Union blockaded British ships from reaching Southern ports. So blockade-runners from Charleston met British ships here and traded cotton for British goods. Upon their return, they sold their shipment for huge profits.

In 1919, america passed the 14th amendment prohibiting alcohol. To support the increase in trade, the colonial government expanded Prince George Wharf in Nassau, however, when Prohibition led to 1934 so did the revenues. Combined with the collapse of the sponge harvesting industry, this marked the end of prosperity and led to economic devastation.

Despite being among mankind’s earliest discoveries, candles have survived to the current day as functional, decorative, and symbolic objects that remain a part of our everyday lives. For hundreds of years, the flicker of the candle’s flames hasn’t only provided light for the eyes, but has also provided a light for the souls.

The function of a candle can change from one day to another. Sometimes, we light candles to help set the mood for a romantic dinner. On another day, we light a memorial candle to honor a soul who has passed away. In this digital age we are able to get on a computer along with the click of a mouse light a “Virtual Candle”.

Even in the different religions around the globe, using candles both in joyous and solemn ceremonies has steadfastly remained in position.

For the ones that practice Buddhism, a candle’s flame is believed to reflect light of Buddha’s teaching.
Each day Hindus light candles before an altar within their homes.
In some Christian churches, an Altar candle is used to remind the participants of Jesus Christ using the wax symbolizing his body, the wick his soul, and also the flame reflects his Divine nature.
An Advent candle is used to signify the times before Christmas along with a Unity candle can be used for marriage ceremonies.
A Votive candle is lit when a specific prayer request is being made.
Perhaps the most recognized set of candles associated with a religious faith are the ones which are used for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

One of the most frequent uses of religious candles is in memorializing the death of the family member is at a funeral. Hardly a big surprise since the Latin derivative of the word “Funeral” means “torch”. In olden days the sunshine supplied by actual torches were utilised at burial services to symbolically profit the deceased with his journey into the unknown land of dead. The use of candles would eventually become substituted for the torches. In some Christian churches, a large Paschal candle whose flame represents the triumph of Jesus over death, is lit and placed at the head of the casket. To commemorate the anniversary from the death of the family member, those that practice Judaism will light a candle known as a Yahrzeit. The flame of the candle will burn for up to 26 hours. This custom is used to reflect the belief that “The soul of individual is really a candle from the Lord.” In most cases, gifts of memorial candles presented to the bereaved are thought to become a suitable sign of the respect and love for the deceased.