How Does Fire Affect Human Survival

The elements of the earth have been essential to human survival and have played a major role on how humanity came to be where it stands today. Earthly and natural elements, and substances, such as ash, have also had many roles in early cultures, forming early belief systems through their symbolism at the basis of major religions. The symbolism of water, fire and ashes can bee seen between christianity, judaism and aboriginal spirituality through rituals and practices. through these, connections can be made, as they are all seen as holy, god-given and have played an important role in human survival for thousands of years.

When brought to mind, symbolism of elements, or even just slight mentioning of elements along with aboriginal or native spirituality

Fire can be seen symbolically through the rituals it is a part of. Fire was a gift to humans from the Great Spirit(s), aiding humans in their survival. Fire also is connected to smoke and together the two are seen as messengers, delivering prayers to the Great Spirit. Fire then from this, symbolizes the Great Spirit itself, as it is seen as a connection to it. Through this sacred fire comes the understated by-product, ashes. In native spirituality, ashes are seen as holy and sacred as well. This is partially because ashes come from sacred fire itself. Ash is a symbol of renewal and rebirth in native spirituality. This is because it is the final product of a deconstructive occurrence at the end of the life cycle. Because it is the end of a life cycle must also be the beginning ( if thought of as a continuous cycle). This new growth symbolism can also be derived from the simple known fact that many plants thrive and can be grown from ash. Forest fires are destructive but from these come new ecosystems that are full of young life. This idea of rebirth, growth and cleansing surrounding ashes can be connected to rituals in native

Fire is holy to those of the Jewish religion as it is a representation of Yahweh's continuous presence in humanity. Mentioned in the Torah and the Old Testament of the bible, is the story of Moses and the burning bush (Book of Exodus). This flaming shrubbery was Yahweh and is also an example of fire showing Yahweh's presence in human lives. This symbolism of Yahweh through fire is demonstrated and practiced when the menorah is lit in temples and during Hanukkah. Fire also is symbolistic of the Jewish people's victory over the Syrian greekss, as also represented when the menorah is lit. This symbolsim of fire connects judaism to other religions such as Christianity and aboriginal spirituality. Present in all of these religions is the belief that fire is representative of God on eath and as a part in human lives (Christianity especially, as many beliefs have been derived from