The fascination of campfires: How the discovery of fire shaped our culture and history

When the temperatures rise, chestnut trees and hawthorn bushes bloom and the first lengths are swum in the outdoor pool, they are not far away either: the midsummer bonfires. For many years, bonfires have been lit when the shortest night and longest day of the year approaches. We cart wood, stack it up, grab a lighter and enjoy the blazing flames. Later we might tell each other one or the other anecdote, something trusting or funny. We take it all for granted - but it wasn't always like that. In this blog post, we are therefore dedicated to the campfire, its discovery and fascination and show how it has shaped our culture and history.

Of Two Stones and a Spark: The Discovery of Fire

Fires have existed since the beginning of the earth - initially mainly in connection with lightning or volcanoes. It can therefore be assumed that even our most distant ancestors came into contact with this force of nature in one way or another. But it was only much later that they began to tame and domesticate fire and thus use it for themselves. According to researchers, the beginnings of this development are in the time of Homo Erectus - however, fires were not ignited at the beginning, but our ancestors kept naturally occurring fires alive as campfires. From then on they used this to cook food, which, as a result, became more digestible. The result: Stomach and intestines were relieved and changed. And: They had more energy for other things. Ultimately, this led to the brain growing, new skills being learned and the thoughts in people's heads gaining momentum. And at some point one of them was: “What actually happens when I hit two stones together?” People tried it out: around 32,000 years ago, one of our ancestors hit a stone containing the mineral pyrite with a flint for the first time. Lo and behold: a spark was created. With this, people could now ignite brushwood or a fungus called tinder fungus. Do you know the phrase "It burns like tinder!" or "Give someone tinder"? Right, that's why.

Time and stories: About the cultural-historical significance of the campfire

However, fire was not only important for being able to prepare food, but also shaped people from a social point of view - yes, even more: the campfire played an important role in our entire cultural history. It provided protection from predators, provided warmth, and became a focal point of a community. But it also changed our rhythm of life, because it extended the usable day. Monkeys, for example, simply go to sleep after the sun has set. But we humans suddenly had more time to work, to prepare things for the next day or to talk.

And that brings us to the second essential point: storytelling. The more digestible diet left more energy for interpersonal relationships, and the growing brain left more room for imagination. Our ancestors combined both around the campfire: there they came together, talked, told stories, marveled, cried. And probably day and night also influenced the story repertoire. For the Bushman people of the !Kung in South Africa, who lived like traditional hunters and gatherers up to 40 years ago, the topics differed significantly: Researchers found that they discussed more about work or economic matters during the day, while they crowded together in the evening, gave up gossip and accusations and instead talked about near and far, the dead, mysticism or love in front of the blazing flames. According to scientists, these conversations around the fire were crucial in strengthening social structures, strengthening the community, and building bonds. In addition, the extra hours at night could have led to us being the way we are today: namely living beings who can also empathize with others, empathetic creatures, the communities, but also many other, sometimes abstract, mental constructs can develop. The campfire was not only important for the !Kung, but shaped the entire cultural history.

Of crackling and listening

The campfire still fascinates us today. There's something powerful, even dangerous about it at times. At the same time, it provides cosiness, warmth and even romance. Provided you share the experience with loved ones and provide the right accessories: grilled food, for example, a cozy blanket, a campfire playlist or comfortable seating or loungers. In any case, our CHICO hammocks are a perfect match for campfire happiness. Attached between two trees or placed with a frame in the garden, you can optimally listen to the crackling from this retreat. And of course some stories too.