Oil’s Bright Ideas: 7 Surprising Facts for Hanukkah's 7th Night

🕎 In honor of the seventh night of Hanukkah, here are seven fascinating and fun facts about oil that are sure to light up your holiday spirit:

1. The Oldest Known Oil Refinery

Archeologists uncovered evidence of oil refining in 8th-century Persia. Back then, they distilled crude oil to produce asphalt for building projects. 🚗

Fun Fact: Early Persian engineers also used asphalt to waterproof ancient canals, proving they were ahead of their time.

2. Oil as Medicine

In ancient times, petroleum was the go-to remedy for all kinds of ailments. Known as “rock oil,” it was believed to cure wounds, aches, and maybe even heartbreak. Of course, today we stick to more advanced treatments, but the idea of rubbing crude oil on a paper cut is oddly endearing. (Disclaimer: Please don’t try this at home.) 😅

Fun Fact: Native Americans also used naturally seeping crude oil as a salve for skin irritations. 🩹

3. The Hidden Chemistry of Candle Wax

Menorah candles—and candles in general—have come a long way, but modern paraffin wax (a petroleum byproduct) has some bizarre side gigs. In the 1800s, people literally chewed paraffin like gum (yum?). And today, it’s what gives your sufganiyot that glossy, Instagram-worthy glaze. 🍩✨

Fun Fact: Paraffin wasn’t just for candles. In the early 20th century, it was used to seal jars of jam and even waterproof shoes. Talk about multitasking! 👞

Sufganiyot are traditional Jewish doughnuts enjoyed during Hanukkah. These deep-fried treats are typically filled with jam, jelly, or custard and dusted with powdered sugar, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.

4. Fry Hard: Latkes, Spices, and Empire

Frying latkes feels quintessentially Hanukkah, but did you know that during the 16th-century spice trade, explorers accidentally discovered crude oil while hunting for pepper? They thought it was useless. Lol.

Fun Fact: The first commercial oil well wasn’t in the Middle East but Pennsylvania in 1859. Farmers back then even joked about crude oil ruining their crops before they struck black gold. 🌾💰

Latkes are a traditional Hanukkah dish made of shredded potatoes fried to crispy perfection, often enjoyed with sour cream and applesauce for a savory-sweet balance. Foods fried in oil, like latkes also commemorate the miracle of the oil and have become a culinary tradition during the eight-day Festival of Lights.

5. Gelt’s Real Gold Rush Origins

Chocolate gelt is a sweet tradition, but its gold-coin roots trace back to real-life prospecting. The techniques used in 19th-century gold rushes inspired modern oil drilling. The "drill-and-blast" method for striking gold was later adapted to extract crude oil. 💡

Fun Fact: By the late 1800s, oil prospectors were nicknamed "wildcatters," a nod to their daring drilling in uncharted lands. 🐾

Modern gelt gets a tech-savvy twist with Manischewitz Crypto Gelt. While traditional chocolate coins symbolize Hanukkah’s gold-giving customs.

6. Ancient Oil Lamps vs. Modern Glow Sticks

Ancient Hanukkah lamps used olive oil, but did you know the first lamps 10,000 years ago relied on animal fat? (Talk about unappetizing.) Fast forward to today, and glow sticks—a festival favorite—use petroleum derivatives to shine. 🌟

Fun Fact: Glow sticks were originally invented for military use to provide emergency light. Now, they’re more likely to light up concerts, raves and arcades. 🎶

Night vision technology, powered by advancements in optics and materials, allows soldiers to see in total darkness. Originally developed for military use, this innovation shares its origins with the glow stick, which was designed as a reliable light source for emergencies and later became a party staple.

7. The Role of Oil in Early Photography

Petroleum isn’t just for cars and candles—it helped create early photographic film. Without those petroleum-derived chemicals, we wouldn’t have the iconic images that document history. 📸

Fun Fact: Even today, petroleum plays a role in smartphone production, including the screens you use to post your holiday selfies. 🤳

As we light the seventh candle tonight, let’s appreciate the quirky ways oil has shaped our world. From ancient lamps to modern glow sticks, this versatile resource continues to illuminate our celebrations in the most unexpected ways. 🕯️✨