Why do campfires...?

Why do campfires entice the telling of our most personal thoughts?

Why do campfires make marshmallows infinitely more delicious?


Why do campfires push bedtimes back by hours?


Maybe it's evolutionary. Our first human ancestors gathered around campfires to survive harsh elements and cook meals. According to Wikipedia (yes, there is an article about campfires on Wikipedia) they also used campfires as beacons for loved ones far from home or to ward off predators.


Nowadays, we still use campfires for these purposes, but not out of necessity. We gather around the campfire with friends and family and something magical happens: we feel connected somehow. Connected to each other and to the elements and even connected to God. And then the clothing we wore around the campfire retains the earthy smell and we savor it for days afterwards.

I guess I'm getting a little deep, but campfires bring that out in me.