The Sagichō Fire Festival (Japanese: 左義長), also called Dondoyaki (Japanese: どんど焼き) or by other names, is a festival celebrated in Japan, usually on January 14 or 15.[1] During this local event, town or village residents burn their gate pine and other New Year's decorations, as well as to pray for good fortune in the new year. Some Sagichō festivals are held at Shinto shrines.
The Sagichō fire festival has been celebrated in Japan since at least the 13th century, as it is mentioned in monk Kenkō's Tsurezuregusa. Because it used to be celebrated on January 14 or 15 in the lunar calendar, its origin may have been related to the Lantern Festival in China.[2]