Thursday, November 20, 2008

A Flicker of Warmth

fire in our fireplace


Aside from the fact that it feels so comfortable and warm being near a fireplace during the cold season, I like watching the flames dance to the beat of the crackling and hissing of burning wood. I’m drawn to it like a moth to bright light. (Well, just to make things clear, I’m not a pyromaniac. I think many would agree with me that having nice fire going in the fireplace on a wintry night is a much welcomed sight).

Our ancestors must have felt the same way when they learned to control fire. Aside from its practical uses like warding off animals, prolonging the day, keeping them warm, making food easier to digest, they must have been enthralled as we are as they watch the flame flicker against the dark night, creating shadows and emitting sparks. We are all hypnotized, powerless to resist its magnetic pull. The fire with its smoldering embers and undulating tongues of flame is like the sun and we are the planets revolving around it.


Why this kind of fascination? They say being near a fire subconsciously reminds us of the warmth of our mother’s womb, a time when we are safely sheltered from the harshness of the outside world. The direct heat awakens buried memories of being in a snug cocoon, nourished and protected….a time and a state of innocence and security.

This might or might not be the case. But one thing I do know is that one of the best things in life is to have a warm home to come home to, literally and figuratively.

6 comments:

The Bumbles said...

Oooo - those are so inviting! You should enter one of them into this coming week's Shutterday - the topic is Fire and you can post beginning tomorrow - http://shutterday.com/
While you are there, vote for my current entry (Bumbles - for Painted thru today and for Abandoned starting tomorrow) if you didn't already. thanks for visiting.

Unknown said...

You make me wish I had a fireplace to cuddle by! I love the soothing effects of fire. ;)

Unknown said...

Oh yeah, and the warmth of course! I've been cold for a week!

lareine said...

to bumbles: thanks for the invitation... i might do it... i already voted for you for the theme "abandoned" but with "painted", there's no "button" to click ... but whatever, i really like your entries (especially "painted":)...

to lisaschaos: isn't it romantic to sit by the fire with your loved one(s) beside you?... and yep, it keeps us warm on a frosty night:)

The Bumbles said...

Thanks for the vote! I am sitting in front of our very own toasty fireplace this evening. Every home should have a hearth.

lareine said...

to bumbles: hope you make it to the top 3:)... and yep, having a nice fire is one of the best things on a wintry night:)

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