A candelabrum or candelabra (pl. candelabra, candelabras, or candelabrums) is a type of candlestick which has multiple branches to hold several candles as opposed to only one. "Candelabra" can be used to describe a variety of candle holders including chandeliers. However, candelabra can also be distinguished as branched candle holders that are placed on a surface such as the floor, stand, or tabletop. The chandeliers, on the other hand, are hung from the ceiling.
The Romans used the term to describe a form of ornamental lighting, which may be a tall stand that supports a lamp. In Judaism, the menorah and hanukkiah are special kinds of candelabra. Candelabra are also used in churches, in ceremonies such as Tenebrae, in certain Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church liturgy such as the dikirion and trikirion. Candelabra in the form of branched candlesticks also became popular in homes as decorative lighting.
