What Is Lag B'Omer? Here's How To Celebrate This Jewish Holiday

Lag B'Omer is a special Jewish holiday that commemorates the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the author of the book “The Zohar.”

The holiday, which falls between the Passover and Shavuot, is a time when Jews take a pause from their 50 days of mourning and celebrate.

It is believed that the mourning period during Omer is a way to grieve for the deaths caused by a plague that swept many Jewish disciples. It was during Lag B'Omer when the deaths ceased, according to My Jewish Learning.

This year, Lag B'Omer falls on April 29-30. In light of the semi-festive holiday, here are ways to celebrate the special day:

Hold A Mini Parade
To signify unity and pride in the Jewish community, children march in parades during Lag B'Omer. This practice was started by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson in the 1950s, as per Chabad.org.

At present, Lag B'Omer parades include police vans and fire trucks that serenade the streets with their sirens. Marching bands, floats and creatively designed placards are also present during the event.

Shoot Bows and Arrows
In the Jewish book called “The Zohar,” it is believed that the coming of the Messiah will be symbolized by a bright rainbow in the sky. According to the book, the rainbow will appear in its full colors to signify the everlasting covenant that God has made with His people.

Today, it is customary to play with bows and arrows to symbolize the rainbow and the day of redemption. The bow also represents the battle against subtle negativity -- the type that appears to be distant and nonthreatening.

Start A Bonfire
Lag B'Omer traditions include starting a bonfire to commemorate the light Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai brought into the world through his teachings. Bonfires would be lighted on this day as people sing and dance around them, as a way of celebrating Rabbi Yochai's life.

Dye Eggs Red
During the period of Omer, Jews eat eggs as a sign of mourning. During Lag B'Omer, however, the mourning period is partially lifted. Followers of the religion still eat eggs during this day but brighten them up with a reddish-brown color. Eggs would be hard-boiled with onion peels -- a process that would turn them red.