Celebrations Around the World: Lag B’Omer

What: In Ashkenazi Judaism (the larger of two major ancestral groups of Jewish people), the Omer is the verbal counting of 49 days between Passover and Shavuot, when God handed down the Jewish holy scriptures, known as the Torah. Lag B’Omer is the 33rd day in the Omer.

Why: An ancient plague that killed 24,000 Jews came to an end on this date.

How: Parties and haircuts are forbidden during the Omer, but on Lag B’Omer these restrictions are lifted, providing a break from the solemnity. Bonfires are a common way to mark the occasion, symbolising the light of spiritual revelation. As haircuts are forbidden throughout Omer, it is traditional for Jewish parents to give a child his or her first haircut on Lag B’Omer.

We always love to hear from customers about their own celebrations. Please get in touch if you have observed any of May’s festivals and would like to share stories or photos with us!