The 49 days from the second day of Passover until the end of Shavuot are referred to as the "Omer". Religious Jews actively count these days and observe several mourning restrictions during this period (they do not cut their hair, shave or marry, for example). The exception to the mourning period of the Omer is Lag BaOmer, the 18th of the Hebrew month of Iyar (May 23rd, this year) and the 33rd day of the Omer (the Hebrew letters lamed and gimel, which spell "Lag", are equivalent to the number 33). On this day, the mourning prohibitions are lifted. It is a day of celebration. On Lag BaOmer, it is traditional to build bonfires. Also, religious children who have reached the age of three traditionally receive their first haircut on this day.

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