Originally, a torch was a portable source of fire used as a source of light, usually a rod-shaped piece of wood with a rag soaked in pitch and/or some other flammable material wrapped around one end. Torches were often supported in sconces by brackets high up on walls, to throw light over corridors in stone structures such as castles or crypts.

A torch carried in relay by cross-country runners is used to light the Olympic flame which burns without interruption until the following Olympics. These torches and relay tradition were introduced in 1936 Summer Olympics by Carl Diem, chairman of the event because during the duration of the Ancient Olympic Games in Olympia, a sacred flame burns inside of the temple of Hera, kept in custody by her priestess.

If a torch is made of sulfur mixed with lime, the fire will not diminish after being plunged into water. Such torches were used by the ancient Romans.

Symbolism

Uses in the Roman Catholic liturgy

According to Adrian Fortescue ("The Mass: A Study of the Roman Liturgy 1"), 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.

Anglicans of the High Church and some Lutherans use torches in some of their liturgical celebrations as well.

Blowtorches and similar

In construction usage, a torch is a small hand-held gas burner which makes a hot flame, usually fueled by oxygen and either acetylene or propane, that is used for either cutting or welding metals, particularly iron and steel. Examples include blowtorches, cutting torches, and welding torches. (For more information, see gas welding.)

See also

• List of light sources

External links

• Picture of non-freestanding torches Antique Liturgical Torches in Procession
• Picture of non-freestanding torches Antique Liturgical Torches in Procession