Pictured Kupala Night celebration in Belarus on a banks river Pripet near Turau city. Kupala Night, also known as Ivan Kupala Day, is celebrated in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia currently on the night of 6-7 July in the Gregorian or New Style calendar, which is 23-24 June in the Julian or Old Style calendar still used by many Orthodox Churches. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kupala_Night
Bonfires to protect the family, coven or land through the winter darkness - bale fire, to erase mistakes and negativity - torches to honor the dead - extinguish all fires then kindle new fire for a fresh start with the new year. Photo by Yonks