Easter bonfires in Northern Germany

Long weekend for many who celebrate Easter. We were in Wilhelmshaven visiting families, and were invited later in the afternoon by friends to go to Easter Fire in a nearby farm meadow. It rained, but it didn't stop people from gathering for this annual practice. Even under outdoor temperature 4 degree celsius! Watching firemen trying hard to set the fire on the pile of old christmas trees and waste woods, which were dampened.. obviously not that fun for adults but surely is a great playground for the kids. Running around and stamping onto puddle of muddy with rubber boots.. 
Anyway, I was surprised that this century old practice is still being allowed in this environmental-conscious-Germany. In Malaysia, it would have been classified as "illegal burning". ha. I know it's for religion's sake but the pre-Christian meaning of Easter fires is hardly experienced anymore. Nowadays they are meant to bring the community together, with beer and grilled sausages.
They believe the fires help chase the darkness and winter away. And Voilà~! it's 17 degree celsius today, just 3 days later!! why don't they reschedule to beginning of January, right after new years! ha!