Fiery First Day of FallA large wood-and-straw artwork burns on the Northern Hemisphere's autumnal equinox during the 2006 International Festival of Fire Sculptures in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius—one of countless cultural events marking the first day of fall each year.
(See "Autumnal Equinox: Why First Day of Fall 2010 Is Different.")
Featuring roughly four-story-tall representations of beasts from local legends and mythology, the roaring celebration, which began in 1991, commemorates Grand Duke Gediminas, who ruled Lithuania in the 14th century and is traditionally seen as a defender of the country's pagan heritage.
Photograph by Petras Malukas, AFP/Getty Images

Autumnal Equinox Pictures: Rituals of Fire and Light

Burning beasts, parading pagans, and glowing serpents usher in the first day of fall around the world.

September 24, 2010