Irbid, Nov. 19 (Petra) Wood-burning stoves, once fueled exclusively by firewood, have long been considered the centerpiece of winter evenings in towns, villages and the Badia, drawing families and guests together to exchange stories, discuss community issues and share a sense of social and familial cohesion.

With temperatures dropping and rain falling especially in the Badia and traditional gathering spaces the firewood stove regains its nostalgic appeal. For many, it offers an escape from the noise of modern life and a return to the winter atmospheres of the past, when families and neighbors gathered around tales of earlier days, accompanied by Arabic coffee, tea and the warmth of Jordanian hospitality.

Khaled Salaytah, a researcher in social studies, said fire historically carried profound symbolic meaning among Bedouin communities, extending beyond its practical use for warmth and cooking to represent generosity, safety and belonging. In Bedouin heritage, he said, fire signaled the arrival of guests, the reception of visitors, and a beacon guiding travelers to the host’s tent making it a symbol of hospitality and support for those in need.

He said fire was central to “evening gatherings,” where men met to exchange news, recount stories and make decisions related to the tribe, giving it an important social dimension that unified the community.

Lighting a fire near tents at night, he added, reflected vigilance and readiness and signaled to strangers that the place was inhabited and secure.

Folk heritage expert and museum owner Jasser Momani said fire served for decades as the focal point of social life in rural areas, bringing together young and old to listen to folk tales, exchange conversations and consult on simple trade, agriculture and community matters. He noted that this tradition has endured despite advances in modern heating.

Momani said that despite the rising price of firewood in recent years, demand remains high at the start of every winter. Some families purchase enough wood for several months, while others rely on weekly family outings where they make time to light a fire and prepare traditional dishes such as “makmoura”, “musakhan” and grilled meals.

Abdullah Azzam, a resident of Al-Mazar Al-Shamali, said wood-burning stoves are more than a heating method; they bring emotional and social warmth that reconnects people, noting that “fire gatherings” in farms have become a welcome retreat for many families and a seasonal ritual eagerly awaited with the first cold spell.

He said firewood stoves have become an integral part of Jordan’s winter culture, especially in rural areas that rely on leftover wood from trees. Residents, he added, are careful to select certain types of firewood known for long-lasting burns and pleasant aromas, such as oak and olive.

Despite the availability of modern heating technologies, fire remains a defining feature of winter a cultural and sentimental symbol that returns each year to unite people around simplicity, warmth and shared memories.

The Public Security Directorate (PSD) continues to issue seasonal guidance through its social media platforms, urging the public to follow safety measures when lighting fires indoors or in open areas, ensure proper ventilation, avoid leaving fires unattended, and take necessary precautions to prevent fires and carbon monoxide incidents.

//Petra// AF
19/11/2025 19:47:46