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Fire

Dictionary: a rapid, persistent chemical reaction that releases heat and light: especially the exothermic combination or a combustible substance with oxygen 2. such a reaction distinguished by magnatude: destructive power or utilitys. 3. intensity as of feeling: ardor, especially in love or rage. b. enthusiasm 4. luminosity or brilliance as or a cut and polished gemstone 5. the result or inspiration: vividness 6. a torment, trial or tribulation 7. ignited, burning: ablaze

Our distant forbearer may have felt a greater awe in the presence of fire, since they understood less of how it works, its benefits and its destruction. It is not surprising that people who worshipped trees, rocks, heavenly bodies, and water should also worship the life enhancing, and life taking, phenomenon of fire, spewed mysteriously and dramatically from sky or mountain top. Primitive peoples, ignorant of both combustion and chemistry and of nuclear fusion processes which generate stellar energy, would readily assume that fire, which like our nearer star, the sun, provides warmth and light, should also favor the growth of crops. The act of providing fire by rapid movement of a harwood stick in a depression in a static softwood block, so similar to the sexual activity which mysteriously created new life, seemed to imply a connection between fire and the fertility of humans and animals.

Naturally ocurring fires and perpetually burning oil wells were obvious sites for fire worship. Worship of purely natural phenomena develop into religions which venerated personalized fire-gods. The myth about animals and demi-gods who obtain fire from the gods for the uses of mankind represent the first steps in our attempts to understand fire. As religions evolved fire continue to play its part in a sacred symbolism and liturgical practises.

In addition to its seemingly mysterious origin and unpredictable behaviour, it brings the benefits of controllable heat of light, and also of sound. But its intense heat can also destroy since fire can cause intense pain, it is a symbol of divine punishment in several religions.

There are fire in crematories in some parts of India were the fire itself haven’t been put out for over 4.000 years, transforming the flesh into dust as rebirth process.

One distinction has to be made of fire in comparison with all the other elements. Most of the time fire is not visible like water, earth, with air you know is there you can feel it, but fire on the surface of the earth has to be made. The whole igniting process of appearing out of nowhere gives it a magical aspect to it.

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