2007-01-30 10:28:02 · 3 answers · asked by Hoosyadaddy 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Middle English bonnefire : bon, bone; see bone.
The word is believed to be a corruption of "bone fire" deriving from a Celtic midsummer festival where animal bones were burnt to ward off evil spirits.
It is a reasonable assumption that because most bonfires are celebratory, that the "bon" would be a derivative of the latin/french for "good." However, this is not the case. Sorry, Dfirefox - that is incorrect.
2007-01-30 10:34:34 · answer #1 · answered by Jacob M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From the French word for good. Bon = good. Therefore, good fire.
2007-01-30 10:34:52 · answer #2 · answered by soulguy85 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
prefix latin origin meaning good or well.
1st two answerers are wrong
click on my link for my source.
10 points please
2007-01-30 10:35:47 · answer #3 · answered by Dfirefox 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋