Overview The open flame was a necessary and important part of ancient human civilizations, and often was invested with religious meaning . Similarly, those entrusted with tending this flame often held a sacral role in the culture. This role continues in many traditional cultures into the present day. A sacred fire is often a place for the offering of prayers, herbs, food, and sacrifices of artwork. An eternal flame or perpetual fire provides hot coals for the smoldering of herbs . A sacred fire is usually kept separate from any cooking fire, and  placed in or near a ceremonial enclosure. In the past world of no matches, and no easy ways of making fire under wet conditions, it was necessary for someone to  keep the flames or red coals burning for long periods of time . In some Lakota or Indian Ceremonies, they would take turns, day and night, tending the sacred fire .
Overview In many ancient civilizations the open flame has served as both a central spiritual or religious symbol, as well as played a central role in basic human survival . Similarly, those entrusted with tending this flame often held a sacral role in the culture. This role continues in some traditional cultures into the present day. A sacred fire is often a place for the offering of prayers, herbs, food, and sacrifices of artwork. An eternal or perpetual flame provides hot coals for the kindling of other fires in the community . A sacred fire is usually kept separate from any cooking fire, and may be placed in or near a ceremonial enclosure. In the past world of no matches, and no easy ways of making fire under wet conditions, it was necessary for someone to always be present to keep the flames or red coals burning for long periods of time .
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The open flame was a necessary and important part of ancient human civilizations, and often was invested with religious meaning
In many ancient civilizations the open flame has served as both a central spiritual or religious symbol, as well as played a central role in basic human survival
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many
some
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flame or perpetual fire
or perpetual flame
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smoldering of herbs
kindling of other fires in the community
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may be
A
always be present to
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. In some Lakota or Indian Ceremonies, they would take turns, day and night, tending the sacred fire