History of Tiki Torches
 Torches have been used since humans first discovered fire. Torches are almost certainly the first way that we were able to move fire from place to place. The first torches were extremely simple: a stick with either a piece of cloth or animal skin wrapped around the end. The fabric at the end was dipped in animal fat, pitch, or any other readily available flammable liquid, and the cloth was lit from an open flame. These torches would be hung on walls in caves, and later in stone corridors in castles or crypts. The ancient Romans developed torches that were made of sulfur and lime and would remain lit underwater. With the advent of electric lighting, torches have now become reserved for more aesthetic or entertaining uses. Currently, torches are mostly found being tossed by daring jugglers or placed in backyards and gardens. Tiki torches are particularly popular as an outdoor accessory.
The term "Tiki" comes from the islands of Polynesia in the South Pacific, and has multiple meanings. In Polynesian mythology, Tiki is the first man. However, it also refers to a wooden or stone carving of a Polynesian god or an ancestor of the owner. The carving can be small enough to wear around the neck, or larger than a person. A typical Tiki carving is roughly human, with the hands clasped over the stomach, a large flat nose, round eyes, and an elliptical mouth. "Tiki" came into English from two Malayo-Polynesian languages: Maori, which is spoken in modern New Zealand, and Marquesan, which is presently spoken in the Marquesas Islands by about 10,000 people.
 Tiki culture in the US is a reflection of the South Pacific-islander culture from which the term originates. It started in 1934, when Donn Beach opened a Polynesian-themed restaurant in Hollywood. The decor of the restaurant included Tiki torches, rattan furniture, flower leis, and brightly colored fabrics. This "island" style has become the norm for those who wish to decorate in a Tiki theme. After World War II, returning American soldiers from the South Pacific brought with them elements of an idealized island culture, and Tiki designs (Tiki torches included) began to become more popular. Its popularity continued in the late 1950s and early 1960s with the admission of Hawaii as the 50th state of the union. Inspired by the romantic appeal of the tropical islands, Tiki hut cocktail bars and restaurants with Tiki torches on the walls sprung up back on the mainland.
Tiki torches are traditionally made of a thin, smooth wood made to resemble palm trees
– a more natural look that fits in with the natural environment of the garden. Recently, Tiki torches have begun to be made out of copper and glass instead. It retains the natural color of the torch while increasing its durability and making installation easier. Copper torches are more resistant to the elements than wood torches, which are susceptible to water damage over long periods of time. These torches are used to provide a more natural and relaxing light source in your backyard compared to a harsh patio floodlight.
Research taken from the following sources:
http://www.answers.com/topic/tiki Accessed 5/16/2006
"Tiki Culture," http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiki_culture Accessed 5/16/2006
"Torch," http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torch Accessed 5/16/2006
Copyright 2006 www.OutdoorDecor.com
Jason Way, OutdoorDecor.com Staff Writer
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