Why do they "burn the man" at the Burning Man festival?

Question

I've recently discovered the "Burning Man" festival.
I have researched it briefly but I've yet to learn one thing... why they burn the man!

Can anyone tell me? Is there even a true reason?

Answer 1

There isn't really a true reason. I think you've really got two questions there (both of which don't have real answers): what does burning the man mean, and why do it?



The most popular story about the origins of burning the man is that it was a an act of catharsis when Larry Harvey was recovering from a break-up. But he's put forward other explanations to, and seem to deliberately avoid giving a true explanation of the meaning. I think the meaning is intentional kept vague. The ritual of burning the man is a blank slate that anybody can project meaning onto. For some it could be a spiritual moment; for others it just is a visual spectacle. It could be a moment of catharsis, or renewal or simply a communal secular celebration like New Year's Eve. There is no right answer.



As for why do it, I think the Stone Soup story is an appropriate metaphor. The burning of the man is the stone around which the whole event crystallizes. Everybody brings something to the soup pot, and what the participants contribute is really what makes the event happen. The stone doesn't necessarily contribute any flavor, it's just the seed. While most people watch the man burn, plenty of people don't. Like the stone in the soup, it's not necessary to actually watch the man burn to get the most out of the event. It's hard to have a week-long event without some kind of climax, and burning the man serves that purpose, but it could just as well be something else that serves as the focal point of the event.

Answer 2

What Does Burning Man Mean

Answer 3

It used to be a freewheeling gathering of people - and a lot of various artists - for a huge party celebrated with burning a large effigy of a man. Now, however......it costs quite a bit to get in, you have to get tickets way in advance, and money has pretty much taken over the scene. It's still fun - but it ain't what it used to be.

Answer 4

It is such an odd thing. The attendees state this is their week to "be free" and "truly express themselves". Many of these people must be sorely lacking in their day to day lives, in that they don t feel free and express themselves all year. But there are many of us who are happy and fulfilled in our lives all year, WITHOUT BurningMan. I am thankful and blessed to be one of those people.

Answer 5

I've never heard of it... all that comes to mind is that crazy Wicker Man movie (which is creepy as hell, btw).



EDIT: @youcan'tblock: I hope you're joking, you racist sexist pig.

EDITx2: I'm not trying to impress anyone... I'm saying that white men don't deserve to be talked about that way, nor does anyone else.

Answer 6

Social Justice FINALLY!!!!!!!!! White men are finally getting what was coming to them!!!!!!!



@ keep on smiling



shutup you're not impressing anyone