The answer to the question of what a shandal is is not so simple, and it definitely will not work out to answer it. To do this, you need to understand several concepts inherent in the world of antique dealers, and give a definition not only of the chandal, but also of the candelabra, menorah, and girandole. Although the purpose of these items almost coincides, the difference between them, of course, exists. We will follow it to understand the meaning of the word "shandal."
What is the point?
To understand what a shandal is, you need to understand that it, and the girandole, and the candelabrum, and the menorah inherently represent coasters designed for light sources. Usually they are all defined with the same word - a candlestick. However, this definition is not entirely true. And that's why.
Some of these items were invented long before candles appeared. For example, oil was poured into menorahs, as they often do now. In Scandinavia, in candelabra, and in France, oil and fat mixtures were also burned in girandols.
As for the candles, in the traditional form (like a cylinder with a wick inside) they began to be released only in the 15th century. Whereas the indicated “lighting devices” appeared much earlier. For example, in the Bible there is a story in which Moses on Mount Sinai received “instructions” from God about how the lamp should look, what and how to make it, when and how to use it.
However, it’s somehow not accepted to call all of these items “masters”, new words have not been invented. Therefore, according to tradition, they are called candlesticks.
What is the difference?
So, we figured out the purpose of these items. But to find out what a shandal is, you need to understand why they all have the same function, but the names are different. The answer will consist of three parts.
- These are objects from various eras.
- They have external differences.
- Not everyone has the same purpose: menorah is also a subject of worship.
Definitions
When considering the question of what a shandal is, we will give a definition to each of the objects.
- Chandelier - in the understanding of the layman, this is the common name of all candle holders. Unlike girandole, its branches are not located in a circle, but in one plane.
- Girandole is a candlestick for candles arranged in a circle. It was often used during card games and meals.
- The Menorah is a religious candlestick among the Jews, which has seven branches that form a horizontal line.
And finally, let's move on to the meaning of the word “shandal”. In fact, it is synonymous with candelabra. And the difference is that the shandal is a massive candlestick with a lot of candles.