Journal of History and Culture Journal of History and Culture

HUMAN ACTIVITY AND SYMBOLIC STRUCTURES
A Qualitative Study of People’s Experiences and Activities at the Bonfire Memorial
ARSENIO T. RODRIGUES, PH.D.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the deeper meaning of visitor’s experiences and activities within structures of symbolic
and cultural significance. The Bonfire Memorial at Texas A&M University was chosen as the setting for this study. Direct
observations, kinesics, proxemics, and photography were used as methods to determine how people interacted with the physical
characteristics of the Bonfire Memorial. Phenomenological interviews were conducted at the Memorial to determine ‘personal’
experiences of the physical characteristics of the Memorial, and to determine the chronology of peoples’ experiences within
the setting. A total of six observations and six interviews were conducted at the Memorial. The study concluded that Bonfire
Memorial was associated with (among other experiences) the ‘memory of Bonfire Ceremony’, ‘tradition’, ‘history’, ‘pride’, and
‘sadness’. People appreciated the Memorial and thought of it as a ‘wholesome’ and ‘unified’ place. In addition, the Memorial
was appreciated for being a contemplative setting to reflect on one’s own life.
Introduction
The Bonfire Memorial is dedicated in remembrance of 12 Aggies who lost their lives, including 27 Aggies
who sustained injuries when the bonfire tragically collapsed on November 18, 1999. The Memorial is made up of
3 distinct spaces – Tradition Plaza, History Walk, and Spirit Ring and is widely visited by students, staff, faculty,
visitors and other members of the community, interested in its traditional, solemn, and monumental significance.
The underlying objectives of the research were: 1) To determine how people interact with the physical
characteristics of the Bonfire Memorial; 2) To determine peoples’ experiences of these physical characteristics; and
3) To determine the chronology of peoples’ experiences within the setting. Qualitative research methods proved
to be advantageous for the research, since spatial and social interactions of participants are crucial to the study of
experiences that a particular place can evoke. Through qualitative research methods, the study of social interactions
can prove fruitful to understand the socio/cultural aspects of the participant’s daily lives 1 . Multiple qualitative research
methods (mixed methods) were utilized in this study. Mixed research methods are increasingly gaining favor as an
alternative to the exclusive use of a single method, particularly when addressing multi-faceted research problems 2 .
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