6-646: An eternal flame is a memorial consisting of a perpetually burning flame. Eternal flame or eternal fire may also refer to: Eternal flame An eternal flame is a flame, lamp or torch that burns for an indefinite time. Most eternal flames are ignited and tended intentionally, but some are natural phenomena caused by natural gas leaks, peat fires and coal seam fires , all of which can be initially ignited by lightning, piezoelectricity or human activity, some of which have burned for hundreds or thousands of years. In ancient times, eternal flames were fueled by wood or olive oil ; modern examples usually use
12-554: A concept of a נר תמיד or everlasting flame. This is commonly found hanging in front of the Aron Kodesh (holy ark) in orthodox Synagogues. It is meant as a remembrance of the Temple. Occasionally this flame is a fire which is kept lit 24/7. Other times it is merely electric and stays on all the time. In traditional Christian denominations, such as Catholicism and Lutheranism , a chancel lamp continuously burns as an indication of
18-594: A dedicated priest and represented the concept of "divine sparks" or Amesha Spenta , as understood in Zoroastrianism . Period sources indicate that three "great fires" existed in the Achaemenid era of Persian history, which are collectively considered the earliest reference to the practice of creating ever-burning community fires. The eternal flame was a component of the Jewish religious rituals performed in
24-403: A piped supply of propane or natural gas. Human-created eternal flames most often commemorate a person or event of national significance, serve as a symbol of an enduring nature such as a religious belief , or a reminder of commitment to a common goal, such as diplomacy . The eternal fire is a long-standing tradition in many cultures and religions. In ancient Iran the atar was tended by
30-695: The Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem , where a commandment required a fire to burn continuously upon the Outer Altar . Modern Judaism continues a similar tradition by having a sanctuary lamp , the ner tamid , always lit above the ark in the synagogue. After World War II , such flames gained further meaning, as a reminder of the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust . Judaism has
36-751: The real presence of Christ in the Eucharist . The Cherokee Nation maintained a fire at the seat of government until ousted by the Indian Removal Act in 1830. At that time, embers from the last great council fire were carried west to the nation's new home in the Oklahoma Territory . The flame, maintained in Oklahoma, was carried back to the last seat of the Cherokee government at Red Clay State Park in south-eastern Tennessee , to
#582417