Circling the Three Spirits. Each year, on the 23rd day of the fourth lunar month, the people don festival clothes, carry willow branches, rattle sticks in their hands, blow whistles from tree leaves, pluck three-stringed instruments and beat octagonal drums as they procede to the three temples. The construction of a new house begins during an auspicious occasion such as a festival. The owners assemble the materials needed and invite friends and relatives to erect the house's frame. To set the main roof beam, village elders are summoned.
Firecrackers explode and brassy suona horns sound.
The chief carpenter then climbs the frame and arranges gold-colored ropes. Peoples' movements then synchronize as they fit the beam into place. Once installed, the beam is hung with colored silk. The carpenter then sprinkles water in four directions and orders the host to prepare to receive a treasure. The carpenter tosses the host steamed buns and recites a verse blessing on the four corners of the house.