Estia's Fire Today
The Importance of Fire and Concept of the Home in Rational Hedonism
Historically:
In Rational Hedonism, rituals are sparse, but one stands out: the sacred home fire.
Rational Hedonism traces its lineage to ancient Greece, where Greek mythology and philosophy provide a backdrop for many of its concepts. One of the most significant is the gift of fire.
Prometheus
According to Greek mythology, Prometheus , moved by compassion for humanity, bestowed upon them the divine gift of fire from Mount Olympus. This flame provided warmth, light, the ability to cook, and protection against wild creatures—transforming human life.
Yet, by sharing this fire meant solely for the gods, Prometheus provoked their wrath. His punishment was severe, but his act of generosity forever altered the course of human existence.
Hestia/Estia
Hestia (Ἑστία, meaning "hearth"), sister of Zeus and one of the Olympian deities, was the goddess of the hearth and home. In Greek tradition, newborns and adopted children were ceremonially walked around the hearth, then throughout the home, welcoming them into the family and introducing them to the home and people who will shape their early life.
Later, city temples also maintained eternal hearth fires, which could only be extinguished through ritual purification.
When soldiers or settlers moved to distant lands, they carried fire from the city hearth, symbolically bringing Hestia’s presence from their old home to the new, following a ritual of renewal.
Now:
The home is the heart of the family, a place where children should feel safe, loved, and learn responsibility and virtues. Relatives, close friends and chosen guests should feel welcomed and experience the warmth of your hospitality.
Since the hearth fire symbolizes the home, customarily, most people don't keep it burning when the house is empty or if only children are present. Instead, it is customary to light the flame upon returning home, while they are awake, or when gathering family and friends gather around for a meal. The flame does not need to burn constantly--it's symbolic, and you decide when it holds the most meaningful.
In Rational Hedonism, more formal discussions and Twentieth Day events often begin with the lighting of the flame.
The above samples were made or bought to participate in a Coming-of-Age class.
Personal fires can be small and discreet. Hestia fires are often lit in a fireplace, on the modern hearth--the stove--or at the center of the table where people gather to eat. A dinner table with several flickering candles (scented or unscented) or olive oil lamps. can make mealtime look special and festive. Outdoor braziers and fire pits are also cozy to gather around. Obviously, they should not be left unattended or in places children can reach them.
There does not have to be only one hearth fire, though there should be a central or main one that the others are lit from. As older children approach their Coming-of-Age ceremony, they often create or decorate their own fire to light. Individual fires should always be lit from the main family "hearth".
Although nothing mandatory needs to be said at all, a familiar, traditional pronouncement made after lighting a hearth fire is:
"Within this flame's light, I claim sanctuary from the outside world. May this home be a safe refuge- providing warm shelter from the elements; and be filled with joy, celebrating life with good food, drink, pleasant company, conversation, and laughter".
This practice is adaptable and personal. While a communal fire can unite everyone, smaller fires allow family and friends individual participation. Some choose silence, simply absorbing the warmth of the flame. Others take a moment to reflect on one or two good moments from that day and share--or not--as each lights their fire.