Torch

A torch is a fire source, in the form of a stick, which is provided or wrapped in a combustible material. It is lit at the top, from where it gradually burns down. At the bottom holding the torch by hand or places them in a (wall) mount.

The oldest form of the torch is a at the upper end smeared with pitch or oil thickened wooden stick. Nowadays torches are rarely used as the light source, but for special applications. For entertainment purposes only serve wax fabric torches at jugglers and fire-eaters Kevlar fabric torches with kerosene or lamp oil. Magnesium flares are used as signal means ( offshore torch) or a so-called Bengal fire. It also referred to the unlit torch as a form. Torches are used as the light source and can therefore - like other historical light sources - have a symbolic meaning.

Cultural History

In the sanctuaries of Mithraism presented the upward flare the sunrise represents the downward torch the sunset. In many other pre-Christian and pre-Islamic religious systems, the torch was a divine attribute, such as the Syrian goddess Astarte and Anath or Anahita Persian. In Greek mythology, the torch was an attribute of Hecate and a prop in the Mysteries of Eleusis, as Demeter had carried a torch in search of her stolen daughter.

In the Christian doctrine of virtue, the torch is a symbol of the cardinal virtue of wisdom.

In the Hebrides torches were used to ward off evil, as long as a child was not baptized: a torch passed to the baptism three times a day around the cradle to ward off evil spirits.

From the 17th century was the torch - often along with the book - as a sign of spiritual enlightenment: The Statue of Liberty in New York bears a torch and a book to indicate that the United States all citizens free access to education and to achieve knowledge would allow. The torch is in this sense of "speaking " name of a book edited by the Austrian essayist Karl Kraus cultural and political magazine of the time before National Socialism.

The German student traditions belonged to the 1960s the torchlight procession in honor of - mostly academic - personalities. However, torchlight processions are common in many cultures to many occasions, for example in the Walpurgis Night.

The Olympic Torch is a symbol of peace and solidarity between peoples.

The "Great tattoo " is traditionally celebrated in the dark by the light of torches.

Artistic use

The juggling torch is similar to a juggling club, except that the upper end of the wooden stick has a metal shell and a winding of a Kevlar fabric for the petroleum or oil lamp.

In addition, similar but specially shaped torches are used for the fire swallowing.

Use as a signal means

Often known as torches are used as signal means. It is magnesium flares with extremely high light intensity (more than 60,000 candela). The hand torches consist of a tank filled with magnesium metal tube, which has usually a heat-resistant plastic handle. Ignition takes place over a beat or tearing starting. The burning time varies depending on the model between one and 15 minutes. The flame reaches temperatures of over 2,000 ° C. Hand torches are mainly in red and white. Often these torches are ignited even at sporting events.

Used this type torch in rare cases also for lighting in diving operations, where depths are reached that would destroy ordinary underwater lights. This is possible because the base magnesium oxides from the environment can split (water, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides ) and uses for its own combustion. The resulting magnesium oxide tarnish, however, relatively quickly the surrounding water.