What is it with Men and Fire

Is it a throwback to the primitive days of hunting and gathering around the fire to cook and eat and tell tales about the size of the one that got away? This isn't a random question, by the way. It was provoked by a family gathering this weekend, to celebrate the christening of a new baby (a gorgeous and spirited little girl.) After a barbecue supper, the man of the house (MOTH) decided to light a bonfire. His wife set off to the house looking for paper and small kindling to get it started, but before she returned we see MOTH striding toward the towering pile of timber with a can of petrol in his hand. Every other male in the vicinity followed...and cheered as if their favorite team had just scored the winning goal (or touchdown) when the pyre went up with a whoof. What is it with men and fire?

posted by Bronwyn Jameson @ 10:33 AM

Comments:

That's what my cousin did years ago on Midsummer Eve. Can't light a bonfire? Hey, we have some petrol! That bonfire burnt the twigs from the nearby trees, too.

posted by

Minna : 10:46 PM

Like you said men are caveman,they like to beat their chests and announce to the world;me man,me strong,me make fire.lol.Some think this behavoir impresses the opposite sex when it really just promotes competition with other men to see who can do it better, faster,or bigger,lol. Oh men can't live with them,can't live with them,heehee.[I love this saying]

posted by

Dena : 2:15 AM

Oh, so do I Dena. LOL.

posted by

Bronwyn Jameson : 10:31 AM

Apparently I'm the only male representative here, so I think I should clear this up to you.
First, men are not cavemen. We do have behavioral patterns left over from our ancient ancenstory, but men are warriors, not cavemen.
That's why we get so competetive.
That's why we adore anything destructive (such as fire).
Every real man is a warrior, although the figurative battlefield where he actually fights will vary.

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