While November is fire prevention month in Japan, on our island we are out deliberately starting fires. And during this dry time of year with crispy leaves and fallen twigs, the likelihood of setting the entire island on fire is at its highest. But fire is one of the many ways the island people communicate with the gods.
Thus, in mid November every year, we have a fire ceremony to ask the gods for protection until spring, when we will have another fire ceremony.
The ceremony takes place around a goma-dan, a stage set on the grass and outlined Shinto-style with rope from which strips of white gohei paper hang. Their shape resembles lightning bolts. An altar is set up with two large candles and offerings of fruit and fish.