There are very few people in this world who haven’t seen or heard about Aladdin. The guy with the magical lamp? Disney made movies and cartoons over and over again about it.
If that didn’t ring a bell, then you might have seen 18th-century movies where they use a teapot like a lamp to move around the house at the night.
Whatever the time or scenario is, this lamp has a history. And by history we mean it dates back to the middle ages.
But one thing is common about these types of lamps. It is their name. Most of the time you will find them in antique stores and they will be called genie lamps.
But what is a genie lamp called for real? We are going to discuss that in our article.
What Is a Genie Lamp Called
Genie lamps have been in the household for centuries. Its origin can be traced back to old scripts and religious books.
Hinduism, Christianity, and Jewish culture have them in their books for so long that it sometimes looks like it is sent by God himself.
But most of the time, it comes with mythical stories as well as powers.
Legends have it that a genie is sometimes trapped inside one of these lamps. Socerrors used to trap them to use them as their slaves and they granted wishes.
Which you might be familiar with if you have watched your share of mythological tales. Every culture has its own version.
But let’s come to the point. What is a genie lamp really called? It is called either an oil lamp or an argand lamp. The popular one is the genie lamp, which was used as a material for lighting in homes before kerosene lamps were invented.
The Birth and Shape of a Teapot
Especially in the African region, they used to dip a piece of cloth in oil and light it up. In the beginning, it didn’t have a handle. Just a thin point where the wick used to sit and a flattened surface with oil to hold it.
In time it evolved and the sides were shaped into a teapot-like structure. Handles were added later on to carry it more efficiently.
Once lighting equipment started to get decorated and praised for its beautiful myths and stories.
But other than that, a genie lamp is an aesthetic and an ancient art piece. Nothing more than that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a genie lamp?
A genie lamp is an oil lamp that is shaped like a teapot. It has all the characteristics of a teapot but instead of surviving tea, you would fill it up with oil and light on the nozzle part from the wick. It would serve as a lamp in ancient days throughout the world.
Why do they call it a genie lamp?
Different mythology and storytelling adapted the story of Aladdin and its magic genie that lives in the lamp. The lamp is also mentioned in some religious notes and scripts as a holy or capturing device. From all the legends and stories, it has gained the name of a genie lamp.
Is there such a thing as a genie lamp?
In mythology and stories, yes there is a genie lamp. Otherwise, in reality, there are very few elements and proof that something magical exists. Though archeologists find different types of brass, clay, and other metal lamps resembling them in different religious sites.
What kind of lamp is in Aladdin?
The lamp in Aladdin is a magical lamp that houses a genie in it. It grants wishes to the person who possesses it. And the powerful genie can do almost anything that it is asked of.
What is a genie oil lamp?
A genie oil lamp is a lamp that resembles a smaller version of a teapot. It houses oil instead of tea. And from the side, you pour your tea is a wick that can be lit up for use. Normally olive oil and cloth dipped in it are used as a wick. It can be still found in different regions of the world.
Conclusion
The genie lamp is more of ancient art and aesthetic to have in the house. If you are a fan of mythology and culture, then having one would be a great addition to your showpiece collection. Other than that, it is highly doubtable that it possesses a genie in it. It is more of a lamp than a magical genie-inhibited vessel. But do try rubbing on one if you come across it. Who knows you might get three wishes!
