This is demonstrated by the impressive mythical, ritual and festive heritage of fire and its multiple material uses and applications. So, without fire civilisation would still be in its infancy, either freezing or starving to death. Through the observation of natural phenomena, trial and error, and boldness and misfortune, humans managed to make and tame fire. Figures representing fire spirits and demiurges can be found in many legends and popular beliefs, and numerous mystical animals play the leading roles in fire folklore. Fire in fireplaces, fire in ovens, fire in forges, fire in furnaces, fire in steam engines, fire in power stations, etc.
Fire is a fundamental aspect of technology.
The risk of fire and the need to prevent it, extinguish it and repair the damages produced by it have been major concerns for all societies throughout history. In their attempts to prevent fire and protect themselves from the dangers of it, they designed a range of tools, rules and communication systems. Some of them are survivors of ancient pre-Christian rites while others are recreations in which certain aspects tending towards the religious and ceremonial have given way to others of a more entertaining and spectacular nature. In some of these rites we can also find a symbolic tradition, which today helps us keep our identity in a world dominated by globalisation. Today, in a world dominated by rationality, experimental sciences and their technological applications, fire still has an extraordinarily powerful force.