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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Vanita • vanitarian • the case study of vanitas • vagitarian • vanity • Vania • vagitation • Venita • vagitate • vinita
A beautiful, unique woman who is sometimes misunderstood. She usually is sweet and mild mannered. But if you cross her wrong she will curse you out and never speak to your ass again.
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The act of self-declaration via twitter or facebook of what you are currently "doing" (BESIDES typing into facebook or twitter - which is what you are ACTUALLY DOING!) in an attempt to publicly validate your social status and to make it look like you are not a loner or a loser that needs virtual validation to give yourself a sense of self-worth. (As my friend put it, posting that you are doing laundry is not a "status update" - it's a cry for help!)
See also: cyber-affirmation
The act of self-declaration via twitter or facebook of what you are currently "doing" (BESIDES typing into facebook or twitter - which is what you are ACTUALLY DOING!) in an attempt to publicly validate your social status and to make it look like you are not a loner or a loser that needs virtual validation to give yourself a sense of self-worth. (As my friend put it, posting that you are doing laundry is not a "status update" - it's a cry for help!)
See also: cyber-affirmation
Dan is totally into cyber-vanity. He updates his facebook status ten times a day. As if we really want to read a play-by-play of his laundry chore.
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Get the vagitamin mug.the type of person on xbox live that completely kicks anyone ass who doesn't afraid of teabaggers while he teabagges those he feels are worthy of his crotch in their face
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