Torch

Look up torch in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

A burning torch, discarded on the road in the wake of the Lewes Bonfire Night celebrations.

A torch is a stick with combustible material at one end, which is ignited and used as a light source.^[1] Torches have been used throughout history, and are still used in processions, symbolic and religious events, and in juggling entertainment. In some countries the word "torch" is used as the term for a battery-operated portable light.

Etymology

From the Old French "torche" meaning "twisted thing," hence "torch formed of twisted tow dipped in wax," probably from Vulgar Latin *torca, alteration of Late Latin torqua, variant of classical Latin torques "collar of twisted metal," from torquere "to twist". ^[2]

An unlit torch as used for fire breathing.

Torch construction

Torch construction has varied through history depending the torch's purpose. Torches were usually constructed of a wooden stave with one end wrapped in a material which was soaked in a flammable substance. In ancient Rome some torches were made of sulfur mixed with lime. This meant that the fire would not diminish after being plunged into water. Modern procession torches are made from coarse hessian rolled into a tube and soaked in wax. There is usually a wooden handle and a cardboard collar to deflect any wax droplets. They are an easy, safe and relatively cheap way to hold a flame aloft in a parade, or to provide illumination in any after-dark celebration.

Modern torches suitable for juggling are made of a wooden and metal or metal only stave with one end wrapped in a Kevlar wick. This wick is soaked in a flammable liquid, usually paraffin (kerosene).

Symbolism

The torch is a common emblem of both enlightenment and hope. Thus the Statue of Liberty, actually "Liberty Enlightening of the World", lifts her torch. Crossed reversed torches were signs of mourning that appear on Greek and Roman funerary monuments—a torch pointed downwards symbolizes death, while a torch held up symbolizes life, truth and the regenerative power of flame. The torch is also a symbol used by political parties, for instance by both Labour (from 1918 to 1980) and the Conservatives (from 1983 to 2006) in the UK, and the Malta Labour Party. In the seals of schools in the Philippines, the torch symbolizes the vision of education to provide enlightenment to all the students.

Uses of torches

Olympics

Li Ning lighting the torch at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

A torch carried in relay by cross-country runners is used to light the Olympic flame which burns without interruption until the end of the Games. These torches and relay tradition were introduced in 1936 Summer Olympics by Carl Diem, the chairman of the event because during the duration of the Ancient Olympic Games in Olympia, a sacred flame burnt inside of the temple of Hera, kept in custody by her priestess.

Juggling

Juggling torches are often used as a prop in toss juggling: they can be flipped into the air in an end-over-end motion while being juggled, in the same manner as juggling clubs or juggling knives, but because of their sound and 'trail of flame', they can appear much more impressive to audiences. To a skilled juggler, there is only a slight chance of being burned, but they are still dangerous.

In Roman Catholic liturgy

In former times, liturgical torches were carried in Eucharistic processions simply to give light. The Church eventually adopted their use for Solemn High Masses.

According to Adrian Fortescue ("The Mass: A Study of the Roman Liturgy [1912]"), the more correct form of liturgical torches are non-freestanding (i.e. cannot stand up on their own). However, today, even in the Vatican, freestanding, tall candles in ornate candle-stick holders have replaced the former type. The torches are carried by torchbearers, who enter at the Sanctus and leave after Communion.

Anglicans of the High Church and some Lutherans use torches in some of their liturgical celebrations as well.

"Carry a torch" may derive from the Greek wedding torch tradition.

Associations

Love

The association of a torch with love may date to the Greek and Roman tradition of a wedding torch,^[3] lit in the bride’s hearth on her wedding night, then used to light the hearth in her new home. Such a torch is associated with the Greek god of marriage Hymen.

The idiom to carry a torch (for someone) means to love or to be romantically infatuated with someone, especially when such feelings are not reciprocated. It is often used to characterize a situation in which a romantic relationship has ended, but where one partner still loves the other. It is considered by some to be dated,^[4] but still in wide usage. A torch song is typically a sentimental love song in which a singer laments an unrequited love.

Image gallery

• 
  A tiki torch
• 
  Torch seller, tacuinum sanitatis casanatensis (14th century)
• 
  Bonfire Night celebrations in Lewes, Sussex on the 5th November

See also

• List of light sources
• Blowtorch

References

External links

Look up carry a torch for in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Look up torch in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Torch.

• Picture of non-freestanding torches Antique Liturgical Torches in Procession
• Picture of non-freestanding torches Antique Liturgical Torches in Procession

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