The Owl as a Symbol of the Occult

What is it that "they know" that you do not, as least as such pertains to the Occult and Occult symbols? Why would a group of seemingly rational grown men get dressed up in costumes and light a fire to an Owl?

What is the intent of such a ritual? From where does the Owl have value and is the Owl being used for a negative purpose, or is this ritual part of an admixture of evil (Setian) with