What are torchlight processions?

Probably, each of us at least once in my life had to hear about such events as torchlight processions. But to define this concept, it turns out, is not so simple. What do people want to demonstrate proudly walking in the column? Why do they carry fire? And for what reason do they gather at such a late hour?

This article will tell you not only what the torchlight processions are, but also will acquaint readers with the history of their occurrence and the traditions of the conduct.

Also, in a separate part, examples of such events occurring in our days will be given.

Section 1. What is a torchlight procession? The general definition of the concept

Strictly speaking, to all of us the familiar word "torch" is derived from German. It is firmly established in our native Russian language, and therefore no additional translation is required.

Everyone imagines what a kind of lamp looks like, which can illuminate the territory for a long time in an open space.

In turn, today parades with fire - this is an event that unites a lot of people gathered in columns. The lit torch must be present in the hand of each participant of the holiday. As a rule, they all march together in order to honor the memory of a certain event.

Section 2. When did the torchlight processions appear?

The first tradition associated with the so-called habit of wandering around the city, holding a fire in its hand, originated in ancient Greece. By scaring off evil spirits from their grape and olive seedlings, the ancient Greeks walked with lit torches.

A little later, these devices were used as a projectile in sports. If a participant could run a distance with a torch without having extinguished a brightly burning fire, he automatically became the winner. And ancient - both Romans and Greeks - lit a torch in the house of the newlyweds. At that time, the inhabitants believed that this fire was passed by the god Hymen to the newly-made bridegroom.

In the Middle Ages in England, the word "torch" meant "a feeling of boundless 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 Mind from someone. "

In France, when the first Sunday of Lent begins, the peasants make a similar round among the fruit trees, so that they, the trees, supposedly frightened, would bear more fruit. By the way, it was France who presented the Statue of Liberty with a torch in the hand of America.

Modern Europe is actually rich in events of this kind. Although not all of them bear a positive value. In Germany, for example, with a torchlight procession, the parade of fascists is most often associated 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 there is a torchlight procession, the script of which is compiled long before the event itself. The Italians adopted this tradition among 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-repentance. At that time it was believed that only this way you can scare off evil witches and spirits from sacred places. Now, of course, it's just a tribute to the medieval tradition.

By the way, not everyone knows that in Munich (Germany) there is a marriage agency, which to this day offers newlyweds torchlight processions in their honor. This service is very popular, because in most cases candles are used all over the world during the ceremonies of such a plan.

In addition, Austria and Germany are hosting torchlight processions in honor of the resignation of various political figures. Thus, the people render honors to those people who made a special contribution to the development of the Bundeswehr.

On the territory of the Russian Federation and other CIS countries, such events are not often organized. Is that the torchlight procession in Kerch with an enviable regularity continues to please both local residents and numerous guests of the city.

Section 4. The City of Kerch. general description

What do we know about this city? Strictly speaking, not so much. For example, it is located in the easternmost part of the Crimea, in the steppe zone.

This is a place where brave and courageous people live, who have repeatedly defended their small homeland in front of their enemies. Last time it happened during the Great Patriotic War, after which the settlement was known to have been given the title of Hero City.

Is this information too sparse? After all, you will agree, if the torchlight procession in Kerch is already held, then you need to know about it as much as possible. There are not many similar cities in our country.

So, Kerch is a city located in the east of the Crimea. Among other things, it is also famous for its unique location. What is so unusual about it? The thing is that the two seas - the Black and the Azov - are connected here.

By the way, only ten kilometers from Kerch to Russia. True, by sea. But still it is much closer than to the mainland of Ukraine.

According to scientists, Kerch is one of the oldest cities not only of their country, but of the whole world. In 6-7 centuries BC Kerch was the capital of the Bosporan state and was called the Panticapaeum.

Here archaeological excavations are going on 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 kept in the Hermitage, in St. Petersburg.

Torchlight procession ... Kerch conducts it annually. Why? Is this tradition also dragged on since the time of Ancient Rome? Indeed, given the solid age of this city, even such a fact can be assumed.

Let's try to understand.

Section 5. The annual holiday of a small town

For several years, on the eve of Victory Day, on 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 wanting to take part in the torchlight procession, go out into the streets, gather together, forming columns.

But the procession is not chaotic at all. First, all educational institutions are built, i.e. 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, many willing to participate in the ceremony.

As soon as dusk comes, people light torches and walk through the central streets of Kerch directly to Mount Mithridates, where the Obelisk of Glory is located.

This action is monitored by a huge number of people. Eyewitnesses say that viewers are usually even more than the participants themselves.

Having overcome more than four hundred steps, one can see a theatrical performance devoted to the memory of all those who died in the Great Patriotic War. The event always ends with a festive salute.

Section 6. Feedback from participants

What was the torchlight procession in Kerch in 2014? It turns out that it was possible to organize it no worse than last year!

Those who personally happened to participate in this event, say that this year Kerch arrived guests from all over the Crimea, there were also travelers from Russia and Ukraine. Foreigners are few, which is not surprising, since this war of 1941-1945 affected more our countries.

Despite the lack of funds, the city administration still managed to give everyone a real holiday.

In the opinion of the activists, this tradition will exist for many more years, since the need for it was, is and, of course, will be. It is thanks to such holidays that generations are coming together, and young people are brought up in an atmosphere of pride for their country and their city.