#Community Bonfires

[seashorepics]

Guy Fawkes and the History Surrounding November 5th: A Legacy of Fireworks, Politics, and Tradition

Introduction November 5th in the United Kingdom, known as Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night, is a unique blend of history, politics, and festivity, marked by fireworks, bonfires, and celebrations across the country. The day commemorates the foiled Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and a group of conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament to assassinate King James I. This…

[inkprilled]

It's bonfire night. Remember remember the fifth of November. Remember a failed Act of rebellion: I remember my only act of purposeful destruction, of physical rebellion. I was 12 or 13 and you had let him back in the house again, you invited him in with a smile and avoided my eyes. So I threw a vase down the stairs, I wanted your attention, I wanted you to see that shattered vase and realise I was breaking apart. I didn't break it out of anger, I broke it in despair and desperation. I thought if I break this you'll wake up, you'll believe me. But you mocked it and laughed with him instead. Maybe you where so broken at that point, so broken that shards of porcelain and glass only looked like soft disagreement. Maybe you needed him to fill your cracks with his sharp edges.

[stoneshipper]

imagine your f/o...

... making a backyard bonfire with you! during a brisk autumn night, they'd love to gather some dry wood and burn it with you. maybe they'd even bring things to roast over a fire pit - bringing marshmallows for s'mores or vegetables for kabobs. as you both poke at the fire to keep it burning, they can't help but admire the sight of you. with the firelight illuminating your features and the stars providing a gorgeous backdrop, they find themself thinking about just how lucky they are to have you in their life ❦︎

dividers made for me by kynibyou! 🍂 prosh¡p dni.

[hearthandheathenry]

All About Beltane

Beltane, also known as Bealtaine in Irish, is a Gaelic holiday traditionally held on May 1st or the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It is believed to be named after the Celtic sun god Belenus. It was widely observed in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle Of Man, and is one of the 4 major Celtic fire festivals. It is mentioned in even the earliest Irish literature and marked the beginning of summer and used as the marker to drive cattle into their summer pastures. Although public celebrations have mostly fallen out after the 20th century and many traditions have been mixed with other cultural holidays (such as the Roman holiday May Day), many Celtic Neopagans and Wiccans still celebrate, and many local traditions still continue, causing it to now get a cultural revival.

Traditionally, rituals were held to protect the livestock that moved pastures, along with crops, dairy products, and people, and to encourage growth. It was also important to appease the Aos Sí, or nature spirits/fairies, which were believed to be more active then.

According to early medieval texts in 908, druids would make two bonfires and drive cattle between them to protect them from disease. In the 18th and 19th centuries, bonfires continued to be an important part of the celebrations. Before the bonfires were lit, all hearth fires were put out, and then relit using the fire from the Beltane bonfires after the celebration.

Continuing into the 19th century, cattle were still driven over or between flames, or sometimes around the fires or made to leap over. The people themselves did as well for good luck and protection. Once the fires died down, people would dab themselves with the ashes and sprinkle them over their crops and livestock. Torches from the bonfires would also be brought home and carried around the home or boundaries, and also used to relight the hearth.

Food was also an important part of the Beltane festival, and usually included a feast of lamb, which, historically, was sacrificed. In 1769, it was written that a hot drink, called a caudle, made of eggs, butter, oatmeal, and milk was served, along with tossing a bit on the ground as an offering. A Beltane Bannock, a type of oatmeal cake, was also written to be important and had a few traditions around it.

In one tradition, the Beltane Bannock had nine knobs on it and each person would take the bannock and face the fire, proceeding to break off the knobs of bannock one at a time and tossing them behind their shoulder as an offering to the spirits for protection over their livestock and from predators (one for the cow, one for the sheep, one for the fox, etc). Afterwards, they would drink the caudle.

According to other 18th century writers, there was another Beltane Bannock tradition where the bannock would be cut into slices and one was marked with charcoal. The slices were then thrown into a bonnet and everyone would take one out while blindfolded. According to one writer, whoever pulled the marked bannock slice had to leap through the fire 3 times. According to another, the person would instead be pretend-thrown into the fire and for some time afterward people would talk about the person as if they were dead. This may have always been symbolic, or it may have been a tradition from a time where actual human sacrifice was used. This tradition was also near identical to May Day traditions that occurred in Wales and other parts of Europe, however.

Other traditions including flowers and plants were also observed, especially ones that evoked fire. Documents from the 19th century cite that yellow and white flowers, such as primrose, rowan, hawthorn, gorse, hazel, and marsh marigold was used and placed at doorways and windows. Sometimes they were strewn into garland, and other times they were made into bouquets, made into crosses, or fastened to them. They were also fastened to cows and milking/butter equipment.

Decorating a May Bush or May Bough was also a widespread tradition, and it usually consisted of a small tree or branch (typically hawthorn, rowan, holly, or sycamore) decorated with bright flowers, ribbons, candles, painted shells or egg shells from Easter, and more. In some traditions they also decorated it with gold and silver May Balls, which were hurling balls, that were then either given out to children or gifted to winners of a hurling match. It was also known as the only acceptable time to cut a thorn tree, as they were associated with fairies and may have also been a relic of worshipping tree spirits. It would either be decorated where it grew, or branches hung over windows, doors, roofs, and barns either inside or outside. Traditionally, it was the responsibility of the eldest of the house to decorate it.

The tree was usually left up until May 31st, but in some traditions it would be burned in the festival bonfire after singing and dancing around it. In Dublin and Belfast, May Bushes were brought into town and decorated by the whole neighborhood, with each neighborhood competing for the most beautiful bush. These competitions could also lead to neighborhoods attempting to steal others May Bushes, which eventually led to the May Bush being outlawed in Victorian times.

Appeasing the fairies was also a big part in Beltane celebrations, with many traditions revolving around offerings to the fairies and also warding them off, as there were many fears around them stealing dairy. One protection tradition was to leave 3 black coals under the butter churn. Another was to hang May Boughs on the milk pails. And yet another was to hang cattle tails in the barns. Flowers were also used to decorate the cattle's horns for good luck.

Farmers would also lead a procession around the boundaries of the farm and would "carry with them seeds of grain, implements of husbandry, the first well water, and the herb vervain (or rowan)", stopping at the four cardinal points of direction starting at the east, and performing rituals towards each direction at each stop. These processions were said to bring protection of their farm produce and encourage fertility. Some people also made the sign of the cross using milk on the backside of cattle for good luck.

As for fairy offerings, one tradition was to pour milk or leave food at places associated with the fairies such as "fairy trees". In Ireland, cattle were brought to "fairy forts" where a small amount of their blood was poured into the earth with prayers of the herd's safety. Sometimes, the blood would be left to dry and then be burnt.

Visiting holy wells was also a popular way to celebrate Beltane. Visitors would walk sunwise, moving from east to west, around the well while praying for health. They would then leave offerings of coins or cloth. The first water drawn from the well on Beltane was thought to be especially potent, and would bring good luck to the person who drew it.

Morning dew on Beltane was also thought to bring goodluck and health, and maidens would wash their face with it or roll in it at dawn or before sunrise on Beltane. It was also collected in a jar, left in sunlight, and then filtered. The dew was said to increase sexual attractiveness, maintain youthfulness, protect from sun damage, and ensure skin health during the ensuing year.

Modern day celebrations may vary from these more traditional festival activities, but many choose to incorporate or take inspiration from the traditions at least. Popular traditions still revolve around bonfires, feasts, decorating a May Bush, and focusing on protection and growth.

Beltane Associations

Colors - yellow, white, red, green

Food - lamb, milk and dairy, beef, bannocks, caudle, cakes

Animals - cattle, sheep, other herd animals

Items - primrose, rowan, hawthorn, gorse, hazel, marsh marigold, holly, sycamore, yellow and white flowers, flower garland, greenery, morning dew, dairy products

Crystals - citrine, fire agate, fire opal, carnelian, red and yellow jasper

Other - protection, fertility, good luck, fire, smoke, ash, sun, bonfires, farming

Ways To Celebrate

light a bonfire

jump over or dance around a bonfire

decorate a May Bush or May Bough

craft and hang flower garland

bake Beltane Bannocks

collect morning dew

create some caudle

ward and protect your home or property

leave offerings for the fairies

focus on protection, growth, and luck magic

enjoy time in the sun

have a feast

create a bouquet out of yellow and white flowers

visit a farm or petting zoo

[groundedgreenwitch]

[girlkisserr]

Log 010-1M: People talk about courage and bravery, but I find intellect shadows the rest. If only my peers demonstrated these traits.

Log 010-2Ar: I have you in my sights! I will claim this battle's victory!

Log 010-2W: Uh oh.

[kittyoverlord]

Omg the food description so perfectly encapsulates what I remember from the time I went to The Grassroots Festival with my grandpa.

[ur-mentallyill-wench]

Ok it’s Childish Gambino homegirl drop it like it’s NASDAQ move white girls like it’s coke up my ass crack move black girls cause man fuck it I’ll do either I love pussy I love bitches man I should be running peta

[voreasaurusrex]

gtober day 9: campfire or a bonfire works in this case SNRK-- some ds3 inspired stuff ft @madmythologist!!

and ofc, obligatory zoom in

[astertimberwolf]

I think I finally know what I want to do!

So, my autism already makes it possible for me to get "lost" in my own inner world. I can conjure whatever story, image, scenery and characters I want- evenmore so / even better if they're attached to a song / music that sets a mood, beat or simply conveys a strong emotion.

Now imagine if you'd be able to experience my "visions" and fantasy by visiting them in VR.

Ultimately, I already knew that I wanted to do UX for XR / VR, but I might have to turn this whole thing into something akin to an app or app add-on... Like making it some kind of special feature or world type within VRChat, that people could visit to experience a snippet of someone else's dream.

It's ridiculously ambitious and I would probably have to learn to use Blender, After Effects, Unity and some coding in conjunction with other software, platforms, libraries and APIs... But hell, I'll be damned if I don't give this a shot.

If you have any suggestions for me, please tell me what you think. I'm already diving into XR prototyping apps like Bezi, ShapesXR and now the newly released Bonfire app on Steam. I could also sculpt static 3D models directly in VR using Shapelab, Figmin XR or Zbrush (TiltBrush successor?).

[leaderlamby]

Daily Sermon #33

Lamb wants to talk about the alterhuman community. I know I preach a lot about anti-discrimination, but it's a very important topic.

There has been so many times where I hear transphobes saying "I identify as (object/animal/famous person)" to mock trans people. Then trans people often start hating the alterhuman community because of that.

They say we're the reason the trans community isn't taken seriously.

I'm not gonna lie, if someone can't tell the difference between identifying as a gender vs. identifying as a species, they weren't going to take you seriously in the first place.

The alterhuman community does not exist for people to 'take us seriously', a lot of us know they won't and a lot of us try to either fix that or ignore it. We exist because that's who we are. And life is too short to hide who we are our whole lives.

And then there's the hate within our own community. Unfortunately, some otherkin try to discredit and exclude those who are objectkin or fictionkin. Basically, those who experience their identity differently.

Please, let's not start dividing ourselves. I've said this before, there's no sense in minorities dividing other minorities. We should stick together because we go through similar struggles.

Especially when it comes to the alterhuman community. It doesn't matter if you're a wolf or a cat or a dragon or a doll or an Argonian or whatever, we all look like the same stupid kids to everyone else.

We are who we are. Let's not try to dictate how others can identify. We are real and we're all valid.

I mean, I identify as a werewolf, an ice dragon, a raccoon, a parrot and Lamb. I'm certainly in no place to tell someone their identity is ridiculous.

I welcome all identities. I've said it before and I'll say it forever.

Ritual of the Day:

Bonfire Ritual

"Dance around the flame to increase the cult's faith."

[beckskasims]

Guy Fawkes Night, Ancient Ruins

I know there's a lot going on over the pond, but here in the UK it's the annual commemoration for us Brits, where we celebrate Guy Fawkes' attempt—sorry, failure to blow up parliament on November 5th, 1605.

I jest, but the way we celebrate has changed enormously over the years. There will be multiple processions and firework displays across the UK, but in a place called Lewes, a number of effigies will be carried through the town before they are burned. These models are not positive models.

In previous years, the effigies have included Rishi Sunak, Suella Braverman and Liz Truss.

[dionysiaproductions]

Brain Decided to Write a Narrative-Plot Bespoke Version of The Gunpowder Plot "Remember, Remember the 5th of November" Rhyme:

An action, reaction Conflict into faction This narrative must have a plot! You’ve one true imperative A plot for this narrative That won’t soon be forgot! For Protagonist and characters A fresh scheme contrive To challenge their pathos And bring them to life. Dive deep to face their darkest lows, A dangerous path the protagonist chose, An antagonist that’s more than match And a daring plotted plan you’ll hatch! A give and take, For the protagonist’s sake. If you don’t write them one Then what will they do? The pace comes undone And more problems for you.

I didn't ask brain for this but I do like it

[arrolyn1114]

Why Can't You See What You're Doin' To Me? Taglist Post

Just making myself a taglist post with everyone I've gathered up so far. Existing people: please let me know if I need to make any changes. Hopefully I haven't missed anyone so if I have please let me know. And if anyone who isn't on here yet sees this post and wishes to be added just let me know and it shall be done. Thanks y'all!

@thatbanditqueen, @be-my-ally, @ellie-24, @whositmcwhatsit, @vintageshanny, @from-memphis-with-love,

@xanatenshi, @karel-in-wonderland, @peskybedtime, @alienelvisobsession, @louisejoy86, @artlover8992, @windsofthesea, @gayforelvis, @notstefaniepresley, @lovininapinkcadillac, @dkayfixates, @jaqueline19997, @presleyenterprise, @crash-and-cure, @literally-just-elvis-fics, @wildhorseinkansas, @tacozebra051, @lookingforrainbows, @spooky-hazex, @powerofelvis, @ashtag6887, @myradiaz, @richardslady121, @elvisrealgf, @genetakovicluvr, @thetaoofzoe, @mydarlingelvis

@j-v-9-2

@mspoisonivey

@aaron57070

@rainyday10-4

@rocknroll50sep

@dream-in-x-dream2

@sasural

@satisfy-the-crave

@velvetelvis

@sillybookmarks

@everythingelvispresley

@elvisgirly

@1dluver13xx

@thedaisymaisy

@amydarcimarie

@p0lksaladannie, @oh-my-front-door, @fallinlovewithurlove, @shantellescrivener, @i-r-i-n-a-a, @stargirllily19, @laura23elvis, @meetmeatyourworst, @rachelljeann222, @precious-lil-scoundrel, @peaceloveelvis, @returntopresley, @tupelomiss, @archival-ep

@pinkcaddyconfessions, @gatheraheart, @rachel-snider19, @tina2345678, @annapresley8 @deniseinmn, @elvispresleywife, @elvispresleysslut, @lovemoonsstuff, @sfull12345

@rosarodrigues, @all-hookedup-on-elvis, @queenheartz

@little-laamb, @pixiedustcosmos, @indiatuck, @sabovanhalen, @obsessionisthecure, @hooked-on-elvis @aprilbluey @laurenoned

@epthedream69 @underthememphissun @presley72elvis @m-s30 @eapep @rjmartin11 @dreamingofep

@vaelzz @atrophyingaphrodite @lola-1013 @atleastpleasetelephone

@that-hotdog @slayingjd @i5uckersblog @alittlemoreelvis @where-are-you-everywhere

@cherrycolaride @ourjoyfulwhisperscollectorworld @fabrygeimsdin

[ovkl]

I am all for holding people accountable and acknowledging the wrongs faced as a result of how society interacts with our similar yet opposites but if you are at the point of posting delusional shit like "Tch... TME people DESTROYwhat it means to be a lesbian . They ruin EVERYTHING" daily alongside like 4chan levels of weird edgy word vomit and, to be frank, phobic rhetoric then I am going to suggest that you have got to take the wooden planks off the fucking exits of your home and hang out with real fags. Seriously abnormal.

[techramonic]

donald glover why did you have to be a weirdo your music is too good for that