Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 11:21:23 -0800
Reply-To: Pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Subject: bURNINGvAN whys and wherefores
In-Reply-To: <200701270357.l0R3v0uI010604@flpvm08.prodigy.net>
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Call it what you like, teen-age fantasy, rites of winter, any ol' excuse to
watch the hissing demise of the sun into the pacific, dancing around the
fire, (ask Mikey about previous BVs), dancing in the fire, stepping on
ancient articles such as poptops ... but do take note of a few interesting
historical markers. The first known burning van event took place under the
auspices of Martha of flannel and California Camping Crazies fame at
Panamint Springs 'resort' under a mysterious full moon. Long ago and for
those in the far frozen east, far away. There were incantations, ibibing of
various spiriti fermenti, sacrifices of sorts and the attendees and it
seemed loyalists were blessed by the Vanagon deities with some protection
from bad fortune, nigerian financial winnings, unscrupulous vendors,
unforseen adventures, mechanical demons and failure to perform.
Subsequent offerings of dead VW parts in various locations around the world
may have helped us along the road to Muir's vision of enlightenment and
elemental understanding of our high maintenance ladies of the superslab and
blue highways.
I noted that in your early days of a rubber tramp / road gypsie, you make no
mention of shamans, altars, incantations, chanting around a sacrificial fire
or appeasing the vanagon deities by burning the dead. However I did notice
repeated references to bad fortune, misadventures, mechanical demons and
failure to perform in your writings. I also noted a large number of cries
of dispair, breakdowns, and such. Perhaps there is a connection to be
found.
Mike graciously takes time out of his busy day to help appease the deities
by presenting BV and providing some of the sacrificial objects and location,
invitations, and various accoutrements. By paying suitable homage either in
person or in spirit one may be granted exemption from various vagaries of
vanagon ownership. However, insulting those who watch over our humble
conveyances, may reap a harvest of tears, curses, and gnashing of teeth at
the side the road. Hence the annual ritualistic offerings and solemn vows
of maintenance and assuming the mantle responsibility.
Perhaps more attention to appropriate homage and preventive maintenance will
make the road to come even more enjoyable. Or I could be wrong.
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