So, the bonfires on Lag BaOmer? They’re not just random campfires — they’re super symbolic.

The main reason is to honor Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a famous 2nd-century Jewish sage and mystic. According to tradition, he passed away on Lag BaOmer, and before he died, he revealed deep mystical teachings — the kind of spiritual “light” that people associate with the Zohar, a foundational work of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism).

The bonfires represent that spiritual light — like a giant glowing tribute to the wisdom he brought into the world. It’s kind of like saying, “Look how much light he left us!”

In Israel, especially around his tomb in Meron, thousands of people gather, light huge bonfires, sing, dance, and celebrate all night long.

Some also think the fire tradition might overlap a bit with older springtime or even May Day fire festivals — but in Jewish tradition, it’s all about light, wisdom, and remembering Rabbi Shimon.

So yeah — not just flames for fun, but flames with meaning.