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Torch Meaning?

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Are the torches meant to simply invoke fear, provide brightness, or represent danger and intimidation? Are they meant to invoke a potential origin of the word "fascism" — the root "fasces"? From his Telegraph article, Stanley says "The word “fascist” comes from “fasces”, a bundle of sticks tied to an axe. The fasces was carried by the bodyguard of a Roman imperial magistrate, as a symbol of his authority. In the 20th century the fasces was resurrected to represent both the glory of the ancient past and unity through strength - sticks tied together are far harder to break than sticks that stand on their own. "
Or were they used because of their symbolic association with being carried before war by the Romans?
Here is a Forbes article which provides analysis and the history or torches: https://www.forbes.com/sites/drsarahbond/2017/08/15/a-short-history-of-torches-and-intimidation/#275588f26762

Contents of this annotation:

  1. "Unite the Right" Protesters Using the "Heil Hitler" Gesture