The human species came of age and got our education from ancient stories around a fire pit. Before we developed full languages, we acted out the day’s hunt for the very food the clan was pulling out of the fire and eating while the story was told.
After language was developed, we told and perhaps embellished (after all, we were fisherfolk) stories of the elders and the ancestors — stories that were part memories, pert science and part religion. We later began calling collections of these stories regional mythology.
Nowadays we have individual family dwellings, central heating and televisions connected to cable or a dish, and most importantly, we have the Internet and social media. But the magic of the campfire is missing. We need that.
I recommend a new autumn tradition — a fire pit (make one, buy one, or use one at a beach or park) with a crackling blaze. When the first cold snap hits, logs hit fire pits and fireplaces.
The first hearth fires of the season have a smell that is just as welcome as the smell of the first flowers of spring will be many months from now. Both aromas signal change and usher in a season.
The first comfort fires of autumn bring out an urge to gather ’round the fire and share stories, fears, information, gossip, and best of all – jokes. Sometimes a family or clan gathering can last well into the evening, wearing down a sizable stack of firewood.
Sound like fun? Invite a few neighbors, friends or family over for an evening at the hearth including pizza or other simple foods, drinks and maybe even roasted marshmallows or s’mores.
A ring of lawn chairs around a fire pit is a cozy arrangement that hints at kinship or friendship and good times. Think back to some of your best campfire memories. Often times those memories included a great storyteller. This is the best time of year to dredge your memory for favorite old (and new) stories to tell around a fire.
One way to get some good stories out is to take turns. Have each person tell a story from their past. Adventure yarns are the best. Given some time, most folks can recall a harrowing or fun adventure. Swapping tall tales makes for a perfect evening around a fire.
Myself, I enjoy telling fish stories. It puts me in mind of Mark Twain’s sage advice, “Never tell a fish story where people know you. Never EVER tell a fish story where people know the fish!”
