An old tradition of burning of any objects that are regarded as sinful or immoral, as if a bonfire fueled by the condemned objects would erase the social problems associated with them.
The most infamous of such bonfires took place on February 7, 1497. The extremist Catholic priest Girolamo Savonarola organized a great public burning in Florence, a burning of what he saw as the frivolities of the Medici reign, and in particular that of Lorenzo de' Medici, whom Savonarola blamed for decadence and immorality (which the zealous priest defined as any art that did not portray Jesus or anything Biblical; nudity and paganism in contemporary art irked his one-track mindset).
While prostitutes were beaten and gay men were burned alive on his orders, Savonarola's campaign centered on the burning of books, paintings, sculptures, cosmetics, wigs, fancy clothing, mirrors, jewelry, masks, playing cards, scripts of secular songs, musical instruments, anything that Savonarola deemed extravagant.
A "bonfire of the vanities" can be as a metaphor to refer to the censorship or ban on "controversial" materials.
The most infamous of such bonfires took place on February 7, 1497. The extremist Catholic priest Girolamo Savonarola organized a great public burning in Florence, a burning of what he saw as the frivolities of the Medici reign, and in particular that of Lorenzo de' Medici, whom Savonarola blamed for decadence and immorality (which the zealous priest defined as any art that did not portray Jesus or anything Biblical; nudity and paganism in contemporary art irked his one-track mindset).
While prostitutes were beaten and gay men were burned alive on his orders, Savonarola's campaign centered on the burning of books, paintings, sculptures, cosmetics, wigs, fancy clothing, mirrors, jewelry, masks, playing cards, scripts of secular songs, musical instruments, anything that Savonarola deemed extravagant.
A "bonfire of the vanities" can be as a metaphor to refer to the censorship or ban on "controversial" materials.
The Bonfire of the Vanities was the result of a moral panic provoked by an extremist monk who was horrified by the nudity and pagan/secular images that were appearing in art as well as the perceived extravagance of the Medici, the family who ruled Florence and who was leading this artistic Renaissance and who Savonarola blamed for the economic and social problems that were beginning to plague the city. Any art or literature that he deemed "immoral" had to go.
Eventually, Savonarola's campaign turned against him and he was executed, but his example of censorship is one to be remembered as that matter is discussed.
Eventually, Savonarola's campaign turned against him and he was executed, but his example of censorship is one to be remembered as that matter is discussed.
by Lorelili August 1, 2011
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Get the colorado bonfire mug.Related Words
When you're sick as fuck but gotta hit the bars, so you chase shots of DayQuil with Whiskey (preferably Bourbon, but any type will do).
Bro, don't pussy out.
Nah man, I'm fucking sick as shit.
Hit a couple of Winnipeg Bonfires and you'll be straight.
Nah man, I'm fucking sick as shit.
Hit a couple of Winnipeg Bonfires and you'll be straight.
by cjharker42 January 4, 2018
Get the Winnipeg Bonfire mug.Annual celebration of the Gun Powder Plot in Lewes created by M Symes of Worthing. AKA Mr Bonfire.
Fun-packed festival celebrating the Zulu tribes and the Conservative party.
Fun-packed festival celebrating the Zulu tribes and the Conservative party.
by Geoff Paddle November 19, 2021
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Get the Hobo bonfire mug.1. A large controlled outdoor fire, usually made from bales of straw or wood.
2. A social event that takes place near the mentioned fire.
The word is believed to be a corruption of "bone fire" deriving from a Celtic midsummer festival where animal bones were burnt to ward off evil spirits.
2. A social event that takes place near the mentioned fire.
The word is believed to be a corruption of "bone fire" deriving from a Celtic midsummer festival where animal bones were burnt to ward off evil spirits.
1. I helped my dad prepare a bonfire and i burned my new pants.
2. You should have been at Mike's bonfire last week, we got really drunk.
2. You should have been at Mike's bonfire last week, we got really drunk.
by Matek July 14, 2008
Get the bonfire mug.A party, usually held outside, with lots of alcoholic beverages. There may be fire at this party, and fire and drunks don't usually mix, so it's sure to be entertaining.
Side effects of bonfires inlude, but are not limited to:
hangovers
unplanned pregnancies
social acceptance
earning a "whore" reputation
Side effects of bonfires inlude, but are not limited to:
hangovers
unplanned pregnancies
social acceptance
earning a "whore" reputation
Forrest: I'm having a bonfire tonight!
Ross: Sweet! Are you providing the beer, or is it a bring your own?
Forrest: Both! The more alcohol the better! I hope we get hammered!
Ross: Won't your parents find out?
Forrest: Nah, We'll just hide the evidence in the woods.
Ross: Okay! I'll spread the word!
Aaron: I hope that whore Caitlyn shows up. I can't wait to get in her pants!
Scotty: I'll bring the plastic cups!
Ross: Sweet! Are you providing the beer, or is it a bring your own?
Forrest: Both! The more alcohol the better! I hope we get hammered!
Ross: Won't your parents find out?
Forrest: Nah, We'll just hide the evidence in the woods.
Ross: Okay! I'll spread the word!
Aaron: I hope that whore Caitlyn shows up. I can't wait to get in her pants!
Scotty: I'll bring the plastic cups!
by Wes123456789 December 31, 2010
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