Bonfires have been a part or life for hundreds of years. They are part of many celebrations, and the word is said to be from the Celts "bone fires" when cattle bones were burned in the fall. There are certain times when bonfires are prevalent, and they are used all over the world. "Bonfire" times include, New Year's, All Hallow's Eve (Samhain), Easter Eve (or Oestre), Walpurgis Night, and St. John's Day. There are many more, mostly regional , and just about every country in the world has a connection with bonfires.
When there was a bad time going on, like crop failure, people would build bonfires to keep away the evil spirits. They were frequently built at crossroads as that was believed to be a place where witches and other evil spirits could easily cross over into this world. People would leap over bonfires to keep evil spirits from following them. Animals were blessed by being passed through pairs of them. Fire was, and still is considered the ultimate cleansing tool.
Part of my Native American tradition involves fires in the middle of dance rings at pow wows, fire is an important part of many rituals and celebrations in many cultures. It is not only a ritual tool, but simply a way to keep back the darkness. What would a camping trip be without a campfire? You can clean water with it, cook on it, light with it, be warmed by it. It keeps bugs and animals away, and smells so good!
We have several bonfires a year. There is something special about sitting with friends around a roaring fire. Maybe it is the primal being in all of us that gets to come out and play. Maybe it is simply good friends, warmth, and sharing. Sharing stories, food, and laughs.
Not everyone has the room for a fire pit, but if you do, dig one out, you may be surprised how often you use it once it is there. Be careful of overhanging trees and structures. Give yourself plenty of room, and stay a bit back from neighbors, they may not enjoy the smell in their homes.NEVER use an accelerant to start a fire on the ground, there are safety and environmental reasons for that, especially if you are going to use it to cook food.
Happy bonfire season!!
Peshaui Wequashimese
(C) 2011 Dr. R M Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please remember that the blog is for helping and teaching. Any comments found to be abusive, hateful, negative or SPAM will not be published. My readers come here for positive solutions and growth, not negativity, arguments, nor hate.