Concept in Definition ABC

One of the most curious and unique natural phenomena is the so-called wisp, from the Latin ignis fauus. It consists of the spontaneous generation of an intense flare in animals and plants that are in the process of decomposition or putrefaction.

Why is it produced?

Normally a wildfire takes place in the vicinity of some marshy and humid place. Although there is no definitive theory that explains this phenomenon, it is believed that it is the consequence of a chemical reaction: rotting plant or animal matter emits methane and phosphorous gas which, when in contact with the air, causes blue or yellow flames of fire. This chemical reaction can also occur in cemeteries, as decaying human bones contain high levels of phosphorus (this element is highly flammable).

According to other theories, wildfire is related to the energetic tension of the tectonic layers (the tension causes the heating of the soil and this ends up unleashing a small fire in a plant or an animal in the process of decomposition).

On synthesis, there is a chemical reaction but it is not known with absolute certainty how it occurs.

From the point of view of popular beliefs

Many scientific phenomena have a appearance Mysterious and Wisp is a good example of this. For this reason, it is not surprising that in popular mythology strange flames were believed to be the manifestation of human spirits from a previous life.

In some European traditions it was affirmed that they were evil beings that caused accidents or the spirit of a child who had died without being baptized.

The Incas had another explanation: the fires were indicators of some hidden treasure. In India this phenomenon was attributed to the action of some goblins with a halo of phosphorescent light.

The legend of the Candileja in Colombia was the typical story that the grandparents told so that the grandchildren behaved well

In Colombian popular culture it is said that many years ago there was an old woman who could not control her mischievous grandchildren and they behaved without any I respect and rudely. When the old woman passed away, Saint Peter reproached him for her lack of firmness in education of her from her grandchildren and for this reason condemned her to purge her sorrows among the living.

In her pilgrimage she is wrapped in three flames of candlelight and in this way she causes panic wherever she goes. The mysterious presence of women is popularly known as the Candileja.

In another version of the legend it is said that La Candileja was a woman burned alive with her children and she then she became a fireball that roamed the lonely roads scaring the people.

Photo: Fotolia - GGW