Muza-chan's Gate to Japan

Japanese traditions - Dondo Yaki 2012

Wed, January 11, 2012, by Muza-chan
A lot of Japanese customs and traditions at the beginning of the year!
Around the middle of January, a festival of fire takes place in Japan, named Dondo Yaki 「どんどやき」.

The traditional New Year decorations like Shimenawa, Shimekazari or Kadomatsu, together with the Daruma Dolls and the good luck charms used during the last year, are placed on a rack and set on fire. The burning symbolizes the breaking with the past and the desire to move forward, to progress.

I captured this event in Matsumoto - a large pyre carefully built from Kadomatsu and Daruma Dolls was set on fire, with the help of the local fire department. It burned quite spectacular, with loud cracks from the burning bamboo accompanied by enthusiastic cries of the kids gathered...

Dondo Yaki, Matsumoto
EXIF info:

Nikon D300
Lens: 18-70mm F/3.5-4.5G
Focal Length: 34mm
Aperture: F/7.1
Shutter Speed: 1/320s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 400


Popular searches:

# Sakura, cherry blossoms

# Kyoto travel

# Japanese trains

# Travel tips for visiting Japan

# Japanese castles

# Night time photos from Japan

# Tokyo travel

# Traditional Japanese house


  •  Home
  •  Featured articles
  •  A Japan photo per day
  •  Japan travel
  •  Japanese customs & traditions
  •  Japanese food
  •  Japanese history
  •  Anime & otaku
  •  Did you know? Japan facts
  •  About Muza-chan