Before the invention of modern matches, people used a variety of methods to light candles. The most common method was using a tinderbox. A tinderbox is a small box that contains flint, steel and tinder (a combustible material). To use a tinderbox, you would strike the flint against the steel to create a spark. The sparks would then land on the tinder and ignite it. Once the tinder was lit, you could then use it to light your candle.
Another common method for lighting candles was using a lucifer match. Lucifer matches were invented in 1826 and were one of the first types of safety matches. They get their name from the fact that they contain phosphorus, which is also known as Lucifer's element. To use a lucifer match, you would simply strike it against a hard surface to ignite it. Once lit, you could then touch the burning end of the match to your candle wick to light it.
Today, we have much more reliable and safe ways to light candles (and pretty much everything else!). But it's interesting to think about how our ancestors had to get creative in order to make sure they had enough light after dark!