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Lighters

Lighters are a small device that contains flammable fuel as well as an ignition device, usually a flint and steel to create a spark. Electric ignition lighters are not as common, but they are believed to spark longer. They have more working parts thought, which makes them less reliable. Zippo lighters are the oldest on the market today, and many companies emulate their design of a metal casing that can be refilled with fluid and is partially windproof.

Many lighters are made to be thrown away when their fluid is exhausted. These are called disposable lighters and the largest manufacturer of them is Bic, which is located in France and also makes the popular pens and razors with the same name. Butane lighters combine the striking action with the opening of the valve to release gas. The spark ignites the flammable gas causing a flame to come out of the lighter which continues until either the top is closed or the valve is released.

The use of lighters in concerts started due to the influence of several sources, making it difficult to trace. First, there is the theory that the practice simply started at a Neil Diamond concert of 1972, or an Elton John concert in 1973 during his song "Candle in the Wind" or a Bob Dylan concert at 1974, because the audience had lighters available. Another theory is that the gesture is symbolic of songs with flames mentioned, such as the Doors' "Light My Fire." Another theory is that this practice came out of a performance during Woodstock where candles were held aloft, and evolved from this.

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