A bonfire like the ones in ancient pagan rituals or celebrations. Large with flames going up towards the crescent moon. Trees on the sides b...

The term "bonfire" derives from "bonefire," a Middle English word from the 15th century, combining "bone" and "fire." Originally, bonefires were fires used to burn bones, often tied to pagan rituals or practical disposal of remains. In pre-Christian pagan traditions, particularly in Celtic and Germanic cultures, bonefires held spiritual significance, such as during festivals like Samhain or Beltane, where burning bones honored the dead or marked seasonal transitions. These fires were believed to ward off evil spirits or purify communities. Over time, as Christian influence grew, the term "bonfire" broadened to describe large communal fires for celebrations, like Guy Fawkes Night, losing its direct pagan and bone-burning connotations. The evolution reflects both linguistic and cultural shifts, with pagan roots still echoing in modern bonfire traditions.