Olympics 2008
Symbolism of Fire
by Mark Hughes
Fire has had a very significant role in humanity's
development. Its varied uses show the importance of fire for humankind. Some
of those uses have been:
- In Ritual: many cultures saw fire as being a
supernatural force. For instance, the ancient Greeks believed fire had
divine origins, see the story of Prometheus, and maintained
perpetual fires in front of their temples.
- Light: Fire has provided illumination through the
ages. When people go camping they light a fire to cook, be warm, and to
keep the darkness of night at bay; this is as close as many people will
get to existing with fire like their ancient ancestors did.
- Warmth: The air can get cold after the sun goes down,
especially during winter. Fire has helped keep humanity warm through the
ages.
- Cooking: Before ancient humans learned how to use
fire, all of their food had to be eaten raw.
- Protection: Fire provided humanity with protection,
through its light and heat, against the many animals that might have
attacked or hunted them.
- Creation: The ability to use fire as a tool has helped
humanity invent and develop many things and techniques, ranging from
smelting metals to providing enough thrust to blast ships into
space.
Information Please® Database, © 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
