In classical thought, fire is one of the four

elements (Earth, Water, Air and Fire). This cosmogenitic theory states that

these four elements are the root of all existing matter.

But especially, we consider, fire , in other words, “the

sun” is the origin of life.

The discovery of fire (or better) the controlled use

of fire was one of the earliest of human

discoveries. (Early Stone Age)

Anthropologists think that human beings became

aware of their superiority over the rest of animals

when they dominated the fire because animals avoid

flames and they could produce heat and light.

Since ancient times fire has been a totally

necessary and indispensable tool for

human being.Fire provided its

discovers with a wide range of possibilities

because it made communication,

defense and hunting strategies evolue and

change.

Although its uses have been developed through the time, we can highlight some of the most remaining ones, such as: · Cooking (increasing the variety and availability of nutrients). · Farming. · Tools making. · Illuminating.

· Heating (People use it to keep them warm in cold weather). · Food preservation. · Treating illnesses. · Artistic employment: Obtaining pigments with which our ancestors decorated caverns walls.

In classic mythology gods of fire

are:Greek god

of fire: Hefesto.

Roman god of

fire:Vulcano.

Prometeo is another character related to

fire. He was the wisest Titan. He gave mankind a number of gifts,

including the fire.Prometeo tricked Zeus and he was punished to be

chained to a rock with an eagle tearing

at his liver.

This Mythim allows us to recognize how

important this element was in life.

“The fire which enlightens, is the same fire which consumes” Henri. F. Amiel.

· It causes numerous

destruction of buildings.

· It kills many people.

· It emits smoke, harmful for our

health. · It can cause painful burns.

· For the environment. · Forest fires

that cause the death of fields

full of vegetation.

· It ends with many species of

animals.

NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF FIRE

POSITIVE ASPECTS OF FIRE Celebrations related to fire in Spain:

Las fallas is a festival with a strong tradition in

the city of Valencia held

from 15th to 19th of March.

Currently, this festival has

become a major touristic

attraction, as it is classified as

celebration of International

Tourist Interest..

Each neighbourhood of

the city spend months producing

elaborate constructions of paper and wax,

composed of fanciful figures.

The construction itself (la falla) is lit

either after or during the

explosion of fireworks. Falles

burn quite quickly, and the heat given

off is felt by all around.

The Night of San Juan:

The night of fire.It´s a festival

celebrated on June 23 rd., a magical night to welcome

the summer season. It is the shortest night of the year

(the summer solstice).

There are many traditions and

rituals, all of them connected by a

common element, FIRE.

Every region in Spain has different local traditions:

-Jumping over a bonfire-Dancing and praying around bonfires

-Burning something old and personal to leave behind bad spirits from the past.

CIRCUSFire appears

in many performance

s such as “fire eating” that is the

act of putting a flaming

object into the mouth

and extinguishin

g it.

In Literature, fire is considered to be a metaphor of love in its duality since

Petrarchism: it burns and gives

life.

Example: “Flame of living love” by

San Juan de la Cruz, a poet from the 16 century.

Music - “Dance of the fire” by Manuel de Falla, one of

the most important Spanish composer of the

20 century. - “The dance of the fire”

too by a folk-metal Spanish band called “El

Mago de Oz”.

Art“The forge of Vulcan” by Diego Velázquez

considered one of the leading exponents of Spanish painting and teacher of the universal

painting. He painted this piece in 1630

“The lightning bird blinded by moonfire” by Joan Miró one of the most important surrealist artist

known all over the world.

Thank you for your

attention.