The dondo yaki

First full moon festival of new year  ‘the fire of the new year´s spirits.

Around the January 15th burn the decoration of new year in different neighborhoods, schools and temples. This is an event connected with Shintoism . It is said that the smoke from this fire  will bring you good luck for your business or study and it will protect you. Also some people cook the mochi in that fire and eats to be healthy this year.

We also burn of the first calligraphy of the year Kakizome. It is said that if you warm yourself with the smoke that comes out after burning  your calligraphy the next year your writing would improve. I use to do this when I was a kid and it worked quite well!