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The Yule log

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Posted on 2018-12-21 in
Fuego en el hogar

Fire in the hearth.

The celebration of solstices dates back to ancient times, and there are good reasons to think some of the practices and beliefs observed in this land might have roots in certain solstice rituals, as might be the case with an old Christmas tradition now almost extinguished and to which this note is devoted to. (more…)

New holy water and fire in Beasain (Gipuzkoa)

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Posted on 2017-06-16 in

Tinder fungi on the trunk of a beech tree. Sergio González Ahedo.

Today the ritual of the new water and fire at Easter is not celebrated with the same fervour as before. The long-standing tradition of the blessing of the new water and fire was indeed a heartfelt paschal event in the 1940s. The new water is consecrated prior to the Easter vigil service and kept in the holy water font located at the entrance of the church. Likewise, a new candle is lit and the new fire blessed at the altar. (more…)

Bonfire Night in Labastida (Álava)

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Posted on 2016-12-02 in
59-1

Bonfire in La Paz Square. Labastida, 2015.

The festival known as La Ronda in Labastida is celebrated on 7 December, the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, at ten in the evening. It is one of the most popular, bustling and enjoyable of all festivals in the Rioja Alavesa region. (more…)

Hearth and home

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Posted on 2015-11-20 in

Hearth, stove and butane gas cooker in a Muxika (Bizkaia) farmhouse. Segundo Oar-Arteta. Labayru Fundazioa Photographic Archive.

The structural components of the traditional house, roof, walls, doors and windows, served to protect the fire of the hearth. The fireplace was an integral part of the home, its central and most important feature. The idea of a house without a hearth, where the household sought shelter, was simply out of the question. The wind was nature’s most feared element. Strong winds were a great threat, for a spark from the hearth could spread to the wooden structure of the house and consume it. (more…)

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