The “Schwenken” derives from a long Saarland tradition. Behind our student dorm we have a big one on our property and especially in summer it is used a lot. You can rent it for 5€ (and 20€ deposit) from the Heimpresidents (24 hours in advance).
After “schwenken” the fire is enlightened again and the people sit around the bonfire, talking, laughing, making toasted marshmallows or stick-bread.