Wasaigai

Wasaigai [盒春萦; わさいがい], lit. 'beginning-of-spring festival' is a traditional celebration which takes place in the first week of spring according to the old Kantonese calendar. Typically held from March 13 until March 20, it is observed annually and considered a national holiday. Originally, Wasaigai was held to celebrate the passing of winter and welcome the new growth and warm weather that spring would ideally bring. 
Wasaigai was accompanied by a number of rituals and traditions to clear any misfortune from the winter months and drive away the evil spirits in the months to come. Although many traditions were once practiced, varying from region to region, the festival has been standardised to such a point that many are lost to time and have become forgotten.
== Traditions ==
=== Naketsuku ===
The main ritual associated with Wasaigai is naketsuku, the lighting of reed torches. Each family in a neighbourhood or village lights one reed torch before joining a long parade which leads to an open space, usually the town square. As the oldest woman from each family comes forward and throws her torch on the blaze, it creates a large bonfire. Once every family has donated their torch, a ring of salt is spread in a circle around the bonfire and the local priests will lead a ritual to drive away evil and bless the community. After this, various forms of celebrating will commence, such as dancing, the drinking of rice wine, singing, chanting, and costume parades.
In order to keep the fire burning all week, teams of men are on hand to add wood and fuel periodically. The townspeople are also given the opportunity to burn any unwanted or unlucky belongings in the bonfire if they so choose. If the bonfire dies, it is considered an omen of bad luck.
It is thought that this practice originated in the ritual cremation of the corpses of those who had died during the harsh winter months. Dead reeds, which were dry, withered and brittle from the cold weather, were added for their symbolism and tinder value.
Though still somewhat common in rural areas and the outskirts of urban areas, many people will opt to see a performed version of naketsuku during which temple maidens and priests will create their own smaller bonfire and conduct a blessing ritual. These events are held at major temples throughout the country, and are often lively events. After the bonfire has been made, honne will go around and pass out sweets, dried fruits, or lucky tokens to children in the crowd.
=== Other traditions ===
Apart from naketsuku, there are some other traditions commonly practiced on Wasaigai by the Kantonese. Many adorn their hearthsides and front doors with small decorations made from brightly-coloured silk ribbon. It is superstition to eat a large amount of fish during Wasaigai week, and to refrain from wearing the colour black whenever possible. As during the New Year, many people will leave small carved hanji figurines around their homes, on windowsills particularly.