Bonfire Night by Chipka
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Description
There was dancing.
There were drums.
A bonfire on the island of Kampa, touched the night with sparks and a faint haze of smoke; it was a good fire—hearty and young. In spots flanking the Vltava River, and the largest of her islands, fires burned. Music and chattering voices filled the night.
There was singing.
There was food.
In a truncated circle formed by musicians and onlookers, two young men worked magic with kerosene and lanterns, with flaming batons, maces and other implements of a fire-artist's discipline. Musicians, a gaggle of them wove tunes with drums and bagpipes, and something of an ocarina, made from the buffed and shiny horn of a goat. Dancers whirled around the fire-artists, throwing themselves into hazy silhouette: caressing ecstasy with their movements. A procession made their way to the bonfire and sacrificed bundles of straw: effigy witches. They bowed respectfully to the flames and crossed themselves in Catholic fashion, making prayers to the Heaven and the tripartite God of their belief.
Oblivious to the prayers of Prague's pious minority, one young man spun fire, on the ends of two sturdy chains. He moved with fluid, serpentine grace, something ancient in his poise, in the way in which he charmed the primordial force of fire. He danced with it, as if the burning force itself had expressed the wish for a companion in a hallowed dancing place. He smiled and turned astonishing capers, and the fire turned with him.
He laughed, and the flames laughed with him.
****
This picture was made bare hours before this post, and as I sit here, having written a description of the night, I can still smell smoke on my clothing. Here in Prague, it is Bonfire Night, the night effigy witches are burned, according to Christian tradition...but in Prague, the Christian tradition has fallen from favor, and among those who claim any faith at all, it is an ancient faith that calls this night Beltane--or the Czech equivalent. And in the spirit of Beltane, I'm posting this image, as a way of marking my own, personal veneration of this day. As always, thank you for viewing, reading and commenting.
Comments (14)
mbz2662
Father Sun shines brightly Warming mother Earth Joining in creation Nurturing growth Wonderful image to accompany a bit of history and tradition. You piqued my interest enough I had to research a little...
Topaz_Rose
A wonderfull image...captures the haunting nature of the night...colours are gorgeous
ToniDunlap
Yes, and there was fun for sure it seems. Wonderful capture and light!!!
MrsRatbag
..."caressing ecstasy"....Wonderful turn of phrase! Now another maelstrom of images is twisting through my brain. Excellent!
beachzz
I can only imagine what this was really like, the fire, the people, the night~~all of it, but you bring it as close as possible!!
romanceworks
Wonderful telling of your night with the flames. CC
kimariehere
i really enjoyed your telling of the night and the fires and dancing ...thank you for sharing= well done !
TheAnimaGemini
Fantastic. All i can say. Your story is a must read. You are a great story teller. The image fits perfect.
Heathcroft
Here we have bonfire night on November 5th and its nothing like that, Chip! I wish it was. So atmospheric. The picture and your description. I can almost smell the smoke from here! Your descriptions remind me of the style of one of my favourite writers from the mid 50s, writing about his adventures in Spain. (Laurie Lee).
photostar
Now, you have peeked my interest in this ancient tradition...on to Google for a bit more info. Another excellent description to go with your capture, Chip.
MrsLubner
How interesting to see how others mark Beltane! I like knowing the old traditions are still going on somewhere and not shoved aside for more modern ways of celebrating.
shahlaa
A beautiful, descriptive writing that took me a long with you on the journey, very well done Chip!
flyairth
Nice photo, and once again a great story to go with it!!
MagikUnicorn
Your The Story man ;-) A W E S O M E