Traditional Easter Fires (das Osterfeuer) are big bonfires that can be seen in most parts of Germany’s and Austria’s countryside at this time of the year. Usually they are lit on Easter Saturday.

The tradition (die Tradition) is very old. It’s main purpose was to banish and “burn” the winter. People also believed that the bright fire would protect the seeds from evil ghosts. Later Christianity borrowed this tradition.

(pic via hamburgo.wordpress.com)