壁炉

Fireplace 

As we know,the western architecture system is very different from the eastern.We Chinese used woods to comstruct our buildings,while the Roman people used stone.

Roma Empire was destroyed in 5th century AD,then the whole Europe came into middle ages.Even though Roman's great knowledge and culture were gradually hidden under the control of the pope（教皇）,ways and methods of building were remain and even had been developing slowly.At that time,each room in the castle which the landlord lived had a big central stove  to light fire to offer light and heat.So naturally the stove became a center which family gathered and acted.

As time went by,the central stove turned into fireplace which was connected with a long chimney.Obviously the function to gather the family members together is remained.Fireplace now offer a social situation for close friends and family.

But why?Heat and warm light are related to the sun,and the sun means out of the dark in antient times.Now you can imagine how we long for the light and explain why we love what means warm and heat—fireplace.

Have you remember where Santa Claus go into the house to send children gifts?Chimney,right?Could you say something about it—about the reason Santa chooses chimney?In fact,when weather changes outside or outdoors,chimney and fire can give a reaction to the changes.Maybe flames get dark ,maybe the sound in the chimney get splatted.These turn chimneys out to be a kind of connection between inside and out.So Santa Claus has to crawl off the chimney and falls down upon the fireplace and shuffles into your room and leaves a road of dust.That's a trouble.

                                      参考资料来自百度百科