For The Night Is Dark…
The sun sets, the music begins to play, smooth jazz echoes throughout the field turning more mysterious and unnerving as the night goes on. People in silver cloaks scurry about the stage as the he comes to life, ruling over the world as a dark emperor. in 1924, the first Zozobra burning occurred in Santa Fe and has gone on ever since.
The burning of old man gloom is but one of many ritual burning events throughout the world. In Mexico, A burning during the time of Easter occurs where an effigy of Judas is exploded to cast away one's evil from the previous year. In the time of the ancient druids, large wicker statues were reportedly burned for much of the same reason as well as to pay tribute to the gods. In these statues, living men were placed inside to be sacrificed.
A more modern wicker man burning occurs in the annual Danish celebration of Saint johns eve. In northern Portugal, gigantic human effigies are burned as well connecting to Portugal's Celtic past. It is actually a practice continued for centuries with some Catholic influence but It first started as a fertility ritual which announced the spring. Young adults would be dressed in colorful costumes and would wear horned masks usually made of wood searching for young girls to symbolically fertilize them.
Less religious wicker man burnings occur as well. At the Wickerman Festival, an annual rock 'n' roll and dance event that takes place in Scotland, A gigantic wicker statue is burned on the final day. And of course, an effigy of a man has been burned during Burning Man held in Black Rock Desert Nevada.
A personal ceremony involving fire occurs in India. The Yajna ceremony is a ritual done in front of a sacred fire often accompanied by songs and mantras. This ancient practice was constructed to help people heal from trauma and a disconnection with the spiritual realm. The divine masculine and the divine feminine are said to come into balance through the ceremony. Once the ceremony is complete, it is said that the way to perfect harmony within and the spiritual realm is clear of any obstacles.
Ever since antiquity, fire ceremonies and rituals burnings have been a way of purification. We let go of things that hold us down and toss them into the fire. Humanity has made sacrifices To fire gods and divine pantheons through the flames in order for a better life.
It is important to remember that different cultures have different ways of going about things. Every culture and every person should be respected and no culture is better than another. Please remember that one should not impose upon another. Let your fellow humans go about their business the way they want to.
Also remember, take heed of the fear that Frankenstein's Monster had for fire. Fire is a destructive force and if not handled properly and carefully can be deadly.
Remember too that you can email me at friendsoffolklore@gmail.com!
