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[imayid2]

I am sure some will tell you it is this.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane

https://www.jewishpress.com/judaism/halacha-hashkafa/why-we-celebrate-lag-bomer-part-i/2023/04/26/

It must be noted that the idea of lighting bonfires is not of Jewish origin. Bonfires were known in Christian Europe as a way to honor Christian saints as far back as the tenth century. They don’t appear as a Jewish practice until the 16th century. The word bonfire derives from the words “fire of bones.” The term became to be used for any large fires used in celebrations, although it is originally associated with various Christian saints, particularly John and Peter. Most Christian scholars say that the practice of celebrating saints with bonfires is traced to pagan, pre-Christian sources which were later adapted by Christianity. Indeed, the Celtics made bonfires to honor some of their deities and spirits. From: http://www.kashrut.org/forum/viewpost.asp?mid=8751. Nevertheless, it may just be that lighting bonfires in honor of the dead may have indeed have a Jewish Scriptural source, see: Divrei Hayamim 2 16:14. See also: http://parsha.blogspot.com/2008/05/is-burning-pyre-to-rabbi-shimon-bar.html.

Growing up in Lakewood I don't think I ever saw a lag baomer fire. Now it seems like it's a must for every school and neighborhood.

[EliJelly]

https://www.jewishpress.com/judaism/halacha-hashkafa/why-we-celebrate-lag-bomer-part-i/2023/04/26/
Growing up in Lakewood I don't think I ever saw a lag baomer fire. Now it seems like it's a must for every school and neighborhood.

Not just Lakewood, there were almost no fires anywhere in חוץ לארץ. Stolin made a fire, and maybe one or two more, that was it. Nowadays everything goes, if they do it in Meron, let's do it here too, hey it's nice and fun. nu nu.
With that being said, going there again with Christian and pagan origins is so tiresome and nauseating. 

[imayid2]

With that being said, going there again with Christian and pagan origins is so tiresome and nauseating. 

Need to wonder if when the Tosefta was published listening various דרכי אמורי including dancing around fires it elicited similar eye rolling 

[EliJelly]

Need to wonder if when the Tosefta was published listening various דרכי אמורי including dancing around fires it elicited similar eye rolling 

The Tosefta was obviously listing certain דרכי אמורי that we shouldn't follow, not the other way around, looking for Jewish customs if there are similar practices anywhere in the world throughout history and by default assuming it to be the root for our traditions, like we so often see by ones who are majorly influenced by goyish culture today and are quick to assume the same about our forefathers too.