Fire festivals and Mountain Burning that announce spring are held in various places.  It is said that this happened at Dondoyaki (Sagicho), which is held in various parts of Japan at the beginning of the new year.  Since ancient times, the Japanese have believed that fire has a sacred power, originating from  Sun Worshipping.  Various fire festivals were born in search of purification by fire and strengthening of spiritual power by fire.  It has a long history, some of which last for more than 1000 years.  The characteristics of Japanese fire festivals are that there are many things that are extremely dangerous, such as using giant torches, using many torches, and getting into the fire.  There is also a fantastic festival where you can enjoy the beauty of fire.  In Kansai, there are many nationally famous fire festivals such as Kurama Fire Festival and Kumano Fire Festival, starting with the torch of Todaiji Nigatsudo starting from March 1st.  The Koyasan Spring Festival, which announces the spring of Koyasan, was held yesterday (3/6).

春を告げる火祭りや山焼きが各地で開催されています。正月明けに日本各地で行われるどんど焼き(左義長)がその起こりだと言われています。古来日本人は太陽信仰を始めとして、火に神聖な力があると信じてきました。火による浄化、火勢による霊力の強化などを求め、様々な火祭りが誕生しました。その歴史は古く、1000年以上続くものもあります。日本の火祭りの特徴は、巨大松明（たいまつ）や、数多くの松明を使ったり、火の中に入るなど、激しく危険を伴うものが数多くあります。また、火の美しさを味わうことのできる、幻想的な祭りも存在します。関西では、３月１日から始まる東大寺二月堂のお松明を皮切りに、鞍馬の火祭り、熊野の火祭りなど全国的にも有名な火祭りが目白押しです。高野山の春を告げる高野山春の山開き「高野の火まつり」は昨日(3/6)開催されました。