Your monthly flicker of wisdom, warmth, and slightly singed eyebrows.
Forget marshmallows for a moment (just a moment, promise). Bonfires aren’t just giant outdoor toasters for s’mores—they’ve been humanity’s go-to “multi-tool” for millennia. Ancient folks saw fire as more than heat; it was protection, purification, and a hotline to the spirit world. Basically, it was the original Wi-Fi, just with smoke signals and fewer password resets.
Why We Light It Up
Transformation: Toss in a log, watch it turn to ash—voilà, nature’s PowerPoint on “Change is inevitable.”
Purification: Bad vibes? Burn ‘em. (Paper with your ex’s name on it = totally optional, but oddly satisfying). Community: A circle of humans around a fire is the oldest social network. (No app required, just snacks).
Connection: To earth, ancestors, and possibly that neighbor who always shows up with a guitar.
Then vs. Now
Then: “We summon the fire to honor the gods and ward off evil spirits.”
Now: “We summon the fire to roast 27 hot dogs at once and keep the mosquitoes guessing.”
Either way, it’s still about hope, renewal, and collective healing… plus a little bit of smoke in your eyes for humility.
Pro Tips for Your Next Bonfire Ritual
Don’t wear your best hoodie. Ash is not a fashion accessory.
If you’re seeking a spiritual sign, resist the urge to see it in that oddly-shaped potato chip.
Always bring extra marshmallows. It’s basically an offering to the gods of group harmony.
Final Spark
At its heart (and flame), a bonfire is a reminder that we are fire people—drawn to light, warmth, and the chance to throw something in and watch it disappear. It’s renewal with a side of giggles.
So, next time you’re gathered ‘round the glow, remember: whether you’re calling the ancestors or just calling dibs on the last s’more, you’re part of a tradition as old as time. And possibly as smoky.
