Warmth, life and light: A guide to the ritual of fire to help you through the coldest months of winter

Fire is fuel on a practical level, providing the much-needed comfort the cold season lacks thanks to its warmth and light. A fire offers a glowing focal point for families or friends to gather around but it also powers us both spiritually and culturally, so it’s unsurprising we are all so drawn to a lit fireplace or woodburning stove in winter.

Symbolism

Humans have been making and gathering around fires for millennia. Traditionally seen as a symbol of purification and honouring divinity, in modern society it’s more often associated with energy, joy and passion. Today, it’s a fire’s ability to soothe and relax us that is so powerful.

This feeling harks back to prehistoric times when campfires provided our ancestors safety, warmth, light, heat, the ability to cook, and a space to socialise. In today’s busy, modern world, the opportunity to reconnect with this more primal sense of satisfaction and security is unrivalled.

The Psychology of Fire

Fire provides a multi-sensory experience - our eyes are naturally drawn to the flickering flames, our ears prick at the crackling, snapping and popping noises, the warmth causes our skin to flush, and the smell of firewood lingers long after the flames subside…

Fire offers us a cosy setting for quiet moments of contemplation and is known to lower blood pressure and reduce stress.

The ritual of building a fire

Taking time to build your own fire is a wonderful way to slow down and root yourself in the moment.

The ‘top-down lighting’ method, where logs are placed at the bottom, with the kindling and firelighter sitting on top, is a great way to get your fire started. This upside-down approach enables better airflow, meaning the kindling will catch more easily, produces less smoke and ensures a longer burning fire.

Engaging with the process and being mindful throughout will ensure you find joy in the act of creating the fire and not just in the end result.

Replicating the feel of fire

Fire is a staple of the Swedish home, especially in winter, but those that don’t have a wood burning stove or open fireplace, can still replicate the feeling to create a similar ambience.

In place of a roaring fire, recreate the glow of fire by gathering candles and placing them in clusters – in unused fireplaces, on low tables, on windowsills or in cosy corners. It’s common in Sweden to have a candle (or four!) flickering in every room or window. Church candles work best and for a more styled touch, place them in different sized lanterns.

Electric candles can look just as effective and many Swedish households use electric candoliers to emulate a naked flame, but no matter what type of candle you go for, dim the lights and enjoy dancing candlelight for a truly cosy home this winter.

Inside and out

A warming fire or candlelight brings a sense of cosiness to any home and is the perfect way to enjoy quality time with loved ones, whether that be sheltering indoors under the glow of a roaring fire or roasting marshmallows over the firepit in the garden with kids.