Wakakusa Yamayaki – Japan

On the fourth Saturday of January, people will gather in Nara, Japan, and set fire to the grass on Mount Wakakusa. There are many theories on what the origin of this cultural tradition lies in. 

The burning of the grass is considered a symbolic act to renew the grass, and local residents contribute by collecting New Year’s decorations and using New Year’s trees to burn along with the grass. This adds to the renewal symbolism this festival carries. 

The festival typically begins with a purification ceremony at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, followed by the torchlight procession to Mount Wakakusa, where people will set fire to the grass.