From theOld French "torche" meaning "twisted thing", hence "torch formed of twistedtow dipped in wax", probably from Vulgar Latin *torca, alteration of Late Latintorqua, variant of classical Latintorques "collar of twisted metal", fromtorquere "to twist".[2]
Torch construction has varied through history depending on the torch's purpose. Torches were usually constructed of awooden stave with one end wrapped in a material which was soaked in aflammable substance.[3] In the United States, black bear bones may have been used.[4] Modern procession torches are made from coarsehessian rolled into a tube and soaked in wax. A wooden handle is usually used, and a cardboard collar is attached to deflect any wax droplets. They are an easy, safe and relatively cheap way to hold a flame aloft in a parade or to provide illumination in any after-dark celebration.
Modern torches suitable for juggling are made of a wooden-and-metal or metal-only stave with one end wrapped in a Kevlar wick. This wick is soaked in a flammable liquid, such askerosene.
The torch is a commonemblem of bothenlightenment andhope,[5] thus theStatue of Liberty, formally namedLiberty Enlightening the World, lifts her torch. Crossed reversed torches were signs ofmourning that appear on Greek and Roman funerary monuments—a torch pointed downwards symbolizesdeath, while a torch held up symbolizes life, truth and the regenerative power of flame. The torch is also a symbol used by political parties, for instance by bothLabour (from 1918 to 1980) and theConservatives (from 1983 to 2006) in the UK, and by theMalta Labour Party. In the seals of schools in thePhilippines, the torch symbolizes the vision of education to provide enlightenment to all the students.
The torch is also associated with the Greek goddess ofwitchcraft known asHecate in some works of art.[6]
The torch carried in relay by runners is used to light theOlympic flame which burns without interruption until the end of the Games. These torches and the relay tradition were introduced in the1936 Summer Olympics byCarl Diem, the chairman of the event because during the duration of theAncient Olympic Games inOlympia, a sacred flame burnt inside of the temple of Hera, kept in custody by her priestess.
Juggling torches are often used as a prop intoss juggling: they can be flipped into the air in an end-over-end motion while being juggled, in the same manner asjuggling clubs orjuggling knives, but because of their sound and 'trail of flame', they can appear much more impressive to audiences. To a skilled juggler, there is only a slight chance of being burned, but they are still dangerous.
In former times, liturgical torches were carried in Eucharistic processions simply to give light. The Church eventually adopted their use for Solemn High Masses.
According to Adrian Fortescue,[7] the more correct form of liturgical torches are non-freestanding (i.e. cannot stand up on their own). However, today, even in the Vatican, freestanding, tall candles in ornate candle-stick holders have replaced the former type. The torches are carried by torchbearers, who enter at the Sanctus and leave after Communion.
Torchlight march is a type ofilluminated procession which is held after dark so that torches carried by the participants form a spectacle (other types of an illuminated procession involve candles, lanterns etc).[8]
Magnesium torches were used commonly in the 1950s and 1960s as a means of underwater illumination. Magnesium burns with a bright white light, and burns underwater also.
The association of a torch with love may date to the Greek and Roman tradition of a wedding torch,[9]lit in the bride'shearth on her wedding night, then used to light the hearth in her new home. Such a torch is associated with the Greek god of marriageHymen.
The idiomto carry a torch (for someone) means tolove or to beromanticallyinfatuated with someone, especially when such feelings are notreciprocated. It is often used to characterize a situation in which a romantic relationship has ended, but where one partner still loves the other. It is considered by some to be dated,[10] but still in wide usage. Atorch song is typically a sentimental love song in which a singer laments an unrequited love.
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