As the evening temperatures turn crisp, roasting marshmallows over a bonfire sounds like a great way to celebrate the autumn harvest. Bonfires have become such a wonderful fall tradition with many families, festivals and organizations holding them. What a brilliant way to enjoy fall!
Have you ever wondered about the history of bonfires? When we think of bonfires, we often think about fun festivities as well as a method to burn up brush and other waste. Bonfires have been around a long time and have become an integral part of many celebrations. Here are some interesting tidbits about the history of bonfires and how they are used to celebrate here and around the world:
- Historically, the word bonfire comes from the word banefire or bonefire. During a Gaelic festival, Samhain, animal bones were burned for a "banefire."
- Samhain marked the end of the harvest and beginning of winter. During Samhain, it was believed that spirits from the other world could visit. While some of the spirits were good, the Celts would take precautions to avoid less friendly spirits.
- To symbolize unity, bonfires are lit in the Alps on a specific day in August.
- In southern Louisiana, bonfires are lit to guide Santa while he is on his journey.
- During the festival of Lohri in India, bonfires are lit to celebrate the end of winter and the coming of spring warmth.
- Bonfire Night in England marks the night that King James I and Parliament were saved from a plot to blow up the Palace of Westminster.
- In New England, bonfires are used to celebrate the Fourth of July. This tradition has roots all the way back to the first annual celebration in 1777!
- According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest bonfire blazed in Slovenia for Labor Day in 2007. The bonfire was 60,589 ft³.
To read more about bonfire traditions, check:
Light the Way for Papa Noel: the Levee Bonfires
Festivals of India
Bonfire Night
Bonfire History
Samhain
Bells, Bonfires and Booms - Celebrating the Fourth
No comments:
Post a Comment