Probably, each of us at least once in a life has heard about events such as torchlight processions. But to define this concept, it turns out, is not so simple. What do people walking proudly in the convoy want to demonstrate? Why do they carry fire? And for what reason are they gathering at such a late hour?
This article will tell not only about what torchlight processions are, but also introduce readers to the history of their occurrence and traditions.
Also in a separate part will be given examples of this kind of events taking place today.
Section 1. What are torchlight processions? General definition of the concept
As a matter of fact, to all of us the familiar word “torch” is derived from German. It has taken root in our native Russian language, and therefore does not require additional translation.
Everyone imagines what a peculiar lamp looks like, capable of illuminating the territory in an open place for a rather long time.
In turn, today, parades with fire is an event uniting many people gathering in columns. A lit torch must be present in the hand of each participant in the holiday. As a rule, they all march together in order to honor the memory of a particular event.
Section 2. When did torchlight processions appear?
The first tradition associated with the so-called habit of wandering around the city, holding fire in his hand, originated in ancient Greece. Scaring away evil spirits from their grape and olive seedlings, the ancient Greeks walked with lighted torches.
A little later, such devices began to be used as a projectile in sports. If a participant could run a distance with a torch without extinguishing a brightly burning fire, he automatically became a winner. And the ancients - both the Romans and the Greeks - lit a torch in the newlyweds' house. At that time, the inhabitants believed that the God of Hymen transmits this fire to the newly-made bridegroom.
In the Middle Ages in England the word “torch” meant “a feeling of limitless love”, and the phrase “to carry a torch”, which literally translates as “carry a torch”, is still interpreted in colloquial English as “falling in love” or “being without crazy about someone."
In France, when the first Sunday of Lent comes, peasants make a similar tour among fruit trees so that they, trees, supposedly frightened, give more fruit. By the way, it was France that presented the Statue of Liberty with a torch in America's hand.
Modern Europe is actually rich in events of this kind. Although not all of them carry a positive value. In Germany, for example, the Nazi parade is most often associated with the torchlight procession on the day when Adolf Hitler was appointed Reich Chancellor.
Section 3. Famous torchlight processions in the world
If we talk about such "walks", then it is impossible not to mention Italy, in particular the city of Agnone (in the province of Isernia). Every year on Christmas Eve, a torchlight procession takes place here, the script of which is drawn up long before the event itself. The Italians adopted this tradition from the inhabitants of Ancient Rome, who on the eve of one of the main holidays of the country went to the temple and spent there all night in prayer of repentance. At that time it was believed that the only way to scare away evil witches and spirits from sacred places. Now, of course, this is just a tribute to medieval tradition.
By the way, not everyone knows that in Munich (Germany) there is a marriage agency that still offers torchlight processions in their honor to the newlyweds. This service is very popular, because in most cases all over the world they still use candles during ceremonies of such a plan.
In addition, torchlight processions are held in Austria and Germany in honor of the resignation of various kinds of political figures. So the people honors those people who made a special contribution to the development of the Bundeswehr.
In the Russian Federation and other CIS countries, such events are arranged infrequently. Unless the torchlight procession in Kerch with enviable regularity continues to delight both local residents and numerous visitors to the city.
Section 4. City of Kerch. general description
What do we know about this city? In fact, not so much. For example, the fact that it is located in the easternmost part of Crimea, in the steppe zone.
This is a place where courageous and courageous people live, who happened to defend their small homeland before enemies more than once. The last time this happened during the Great Patriotic War, at the end of which the village, as you know, was awarded the title of Hero City.
Is this information too meager? Indeed, you must admit, if a torchlight procession in Kerch is already being held, then you need to know as much as possible about it. There are not many similar cities with us.
So, Kerch is a city located in the east of Crimea. Among other things, it is also famous for its unique location. What is so unusual about him? The thing is that two seas are connected here - the Black and Azov.
By the way, there are only ten kilometers from Kerch to Russia. True, by sea. But still it is much closer than to mainland Ukraine.
According to scientists, Kerch is one of the most ancient cities not only of its country, but of the whole world. In the 6-7 centuries BC, Kerch was the capital of the Bosporus state and was called Panticapaeum.
Archaeological excavations take place here all the time, and to date, many valuable artifacts have already been found. And this, of course, is not the limit. Most of the antique items are stored in the Hermitage, in St. Petersburg.
A torchlight procession … Kerch holds it annually. Why? Is this tradition also stretching from the time of ancient Rome? Indeed, given the considerable age of this city, even such a fact can be assumed.
Let's try to figure it out.
Section 5. The annual holiday of a small town
For several years now, on the eve of Victory Day, May 8, an unusual but very solemn parade has been held in Kerch.
This tradition dates back to 1973, that is, from the day the city was given the honorary status of a Hero.
In the evening, thousands of people who want to take part in the torchlight procession take to the streets, get together, forming columns.
But this procession is by no means chaotic. First, all educational institutions are built, that is, schools, colleges, technical schools, institutes and universities, then state institutions join them. At the end of the column are ordinary townspeople, among whom, as practice shows, there are many who wish to take part in the ceremony.
As soon as dusk sets in, people light torches and walk along the central streets of Kerch right onto Mount Mithridates, where the Obelisk of Glory is located.
A huge number of people follow this action. Eyewitnesses claim that there are usually more spectators than the participants themselves.
Having overcome more than four hundred steps, you can watch a theatrical performance dedicated to the memory of all those who died in the Great Patriotic War. The event always ends with a festive salute.
