The annual event began as a bonfire ritual on the summer solstice in 1986 when a few friends met on a beach in San Francisco and burned a 9-foot (2.7-metre) wooden man as well as a smaller wooden dog. The fellow behind that first event has described his inspiration for burning these effigies as a spontaneous act of "radical self-expression".
It's interesting that the event no longer happens at the solstice and it has become as well organized as a pagan festival can be, requiring tickets which are sold out months in advance.
I also find it fascinating that some Christians go every year, seeing this as an opportunity to connect with people who are obviously searching for meaning and community, albeit it in a strange way. Think about it. Christianity began as a countercultural movement and believers gathered during the winter solstice to celebrate Christ's birth. While early Christianity offered an alternative to sexual debauchery, I can see why the Christians who attend, including the guy who walks across the desert carrying a cross, see the opportunity for evangelism.Last year a group of forty or so Christians build platforms where people could go for contemplation and write their thoughts on the walls, including:
Why do people hurt others only to hurt themselves?
You can stop an invasion of armies, but you cannot stop an idea whose time has come.
It's no good measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.
Let go of everything you know and all will be revealed.
Joy is a community that loves. Love heals.
Discipline is Freedom. Laughter is Medicine.
And darkness has no tickets for this event.
To find God one must forgive.
The truth will find you.
Have you heard of Burning Man? Have you been? Does it seem too weird for words or does it intrigue you?
3 comments:
Sounds interesting. Their web site was fascinating to read. It doesn't seem to be for one religion or another, more like a free for all.
The Ten Principles read like a good model for society. 48,000 people, a big bonfire tonight. I have been to some big Guy Fawkes nights, but never that big!
I have heard of Burning Man and have heard some first hand stories about it involving juggling, hula hooping, dancing and one awesome bonfire!
I understand there is no money at Burning Man so you have to barter if someone has something you would like.
If I were in a different stage of life I would be checking it out!
Brenda
Hi David, a friend pointed me to this blog post. I pastor a church in Salem, MA called The Gathering. I was the artist behind those meditation pillars. Just thought I'd say hi.
P.S. It's not even a barter system at Burning Man. It is pure "gifting."
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