Berlin, Germany is hosting its "Festival of Lights" this week, until October 26th. Dozens of landmarks are lit up with lamps, projectors and lasers, accompanied by fireworks and other events. We humans light up the night for many reasons, practical, artistic - even reasons with more meaningful messages. Pictured below are night scenes from Berlin and around the world, illuminated in interesting ways

The "Siegessaeule" (Victory Column) is illuminated during a rehearsal for the upcoming "Festival of Lights" in Berlin, Germany on October 13, 2008

The landmark Berlin Cathedral is colorfully illuminated on the opening evening

An ancient temple is lit up with candles at a Gala Dinner to celebrate the life of the opera singer Luciano Pavarotti

A worker passes by a lighting installation on a wall near London Bridge during the evening rush-hour