bonfire of the vanities
Burning worldly possessions
A bonfire of the vanities is a public burning of objects considered sinful or morally corrupting—books, artwork, cosmetics, mirrors, fine clothing.
The phrase comes from such burnings in Renaissance Florence, led by the friar Savonarola.
Now used figuratively for any dramatic destruction or renunciation of worldly pleasures or status symbols: The divorce became her bonfire of the vanities—she sold the jewelry, the car, everything.
- asceticismSevere self-denial practice
- satireMockery exposing vice
- repentanceRemorseful rejection of past wrongs
- FlorenceTuscan capital city
- RenaissanceEuropean cultural reawakening
Tom Wolfe · cultural critique · iconoclasm · hubris · humility · book burning · simplicity · Medici family · self-denial · Botticelli · religious reform · spiritual renewal · fall from grace · Catholic Church · ethical living · papal authority · social commentary · mindfulness practices
bonfire of the vanitiesconspicuous consumption
Flaunting wealth through purchases
materialism · acquisitiveness · worldliness · hoarding · accumulation
bonfire of the vanitieshedonism
Pursuit of gratification
decadence · ostentation · vainglory · peacocking · showing off
bonfire, bonfires, vanity, vanities, vain, vainly, vainness, fire, fires