“Eternal Flames” explores the pervasive symbolism of perpetual fire across cultures, revealing its profound connection to immortality, the divine, and the human spirit. From ancient civilizations to modern times, eternal flames have represented continuity, hope, and a link between the mortal and the eternal. The book highlights how maintaining these flames was often a sacred duty, entrusted to vestal virgins or priestly orders, symbolizing a society's core values and ancestral connections.
Examining traditions from Rome, Greece, Persia, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and indigenous cultures, the book reveals the diverse ways societies have conceptualized and utilized eternal flames. The book uniquely synthesizes insights from religious studies, history, and anthropology to provide a nuanced understanding of this universal symbol.
It argues that the persistent motif of undying flames reflects a deep human longing for permanence and a connection to something beyond the physical realm. Structured thematically, “Eternal Flames” begins with an introduction to the concept, examines specific rituals and practices, presents case studies of particular cultures, and concludes by exploring modern interpretations of this ancient symbol, offering an analytical framework for interpreting the cultural significance of perpetual fire across different societies.
