Lag B’Omer is the thirty-third day of “counting the omer” — a custom originating in ancient Israel that began on the second day of Passover and ended with the holiday of Shavuot. Rabbinic tradition dictates that this seven-week period is a time of mourning, and on lag b’omer (the thirty-third day of this period), the prohibitions that accompany the mourning period are lifted.

If Humanistic Jews observe Lag B’Omer, it is as a celebration of spring. Akin to the joyous bonfire dancing celebrations in Israel, Humanistic Jewish celebrations can be marked with picnics, bonfires, dancing or planting events.