Smoke gets in your eyes

In ancient times, the last day of April marked the beginning of spring and was celebrated by letting out the cattle to graze once again

And the burning of bonfires to keep the evil spirits away. This pagan tradition is called Valborg (or Walpurgis Eve).

Here they come with burning torches in a procession just as the sun is setting.

The dry twigs catch fire and the flames roar like a dragon.

We all sing songs to welcome in the spring as the fire mesmerizes us with its primeval power.

It’s cold – oh so cold – as the sun goes down and soon it’s time to return to our cozy homes.

But don’t forget to turn around and gasp in amazement

As the heat from the bonfire turns the sky to molten glass.

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