East Continent/An Najaf/Praise of Fire

Praise of Fire

The Praise of Fire is a mobile fire pit used during the Four Festivals. It is lighten in the morning by the ocean and doused in the late evening by the Astrum Woods, marking the beginning and the end of the festival.

Legend states that the light given off is supposed to be the heart of every An Najafi, and it is important for the occassion to maintain the fire. The bigger the fire is the more happy they will be. This led to the origin of the Evening of a Thousand Torches. Each household lights a torch from the Praise Fire and brings it back to their centre to light the pyre. Together, each home lights the fire for the community and creates more happiness. All of the fires combined is said to give the whole land peace and tranquility until the next season, when the process must be repeated.

It is unknown why the Praise Fire is light near the ocean and doused near the forest. Foreigners often notice this and question why the reverse was not done as the fire should be near the water when it comes time to snuff it out. The An Najafi's never bother to answer the question and prefer to keep the tradition as it is. The origin of the name "Praise of Fire" is unknown as well, but usually attributed to the Great Sage Pafizi. The fire is commonly referred to as the Praise Fire, though in the formal ceremony, it is proper to use its actual name.