Traditional Dondoyaki in Dainihi District

This year will be a year of good catches and harvests

On January 20 (Sun.), a "Dondoyaki" ceremony, said to have a history of more than 200 years, was held in Ohibi, located in the central part of Qinghai Island. The event was held two hours later than scheduled due to rain in the morning.

Dondoyaki" is a festival in which New Year's decorations and New Year's calligraphy are burned in the fire of Dondon to pray for a good catch of fish, a good harvest, and good health. The fire is lit by the New Year's men and women.

Then, at 10:00 a.m., they all ignited at once.

The 8-meter-high yagura, which is lit by fire, was constructed by local residents using a foundation of moso bamboo and wood and a large amount of fern leaves. It takes only a little over a minute for the fire to spread all the way to the top.

It is said that the direction in which the mole falls while it burns can predict both a good catch and a good harvest for the year, with a good catch on the ocean side, a good harvest on the mountain side, and both a good catch and a good harvest in the middle.

The yagura gradually began to tilt, and the moment arrived with a loud crackling sound.

The direction of the fall is between the mountains and the sea, slightly closer to the sea.

It's been a good year for both, but I think the best year is the one with a good catch."

We heard such stories from local residents as we warmed up around the fire.

By the time the Dondoyaki ceremony was over, blue skies could be seen.

The traditional Dondoyaki in Ohibi Ward will continue to be held every year by the local community.

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