The cold air illuminated by a bright red flame. Sagicho ritual in the town of Oiso/Kanagawa

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201150001/

January 15, 2012

Bright flames rising in the town of Oiso

On the night of the 14th, a grand Sagicho burning event took place on Kitahama beach in the town of Oiso. Followed since the Edo period, the Sagicho event has been appointed by the country as a folk cultural asset of immeasurable importance.

Townspeople gathered such things as rope decorations used at New Year's and Daruma, tying them to the 10 foot sagichos. At once, all nine sagichos were lit on fire at the front and back with conical shaped "Saito" (ceremonial torches). As the bright red flames rose, the chilly winter air illuminated.

Townspeople and tourists visit the sandy beaches to see the fire festivals of Little New Year. Using the flames of the Saito torches, they cook Dango and Mochi, stuffing their faces in request for a healthy and safe year ahead.

(Note: Little New Year is an additional Japanese holiday period, taking place primarily on the 15th and the days surrounding it.)

Original text:

寒空照らす炎赤々と、大磯町で「左義長」/神奈川

2012年1月15日

赤々と燃え上がった炎＝大磯町

江戸時代から伝わり、国の重要無形民俗文化財に指定されている、大磯町の「左義長（さぎちょう）」が14日夜、同町の北浜海岸で盛大に行われた。

町民が持ち寄った正月のしめ飾りやだるまなどを結わえ付けた、高さ10メートル前後の円すい形の斎灯（さいと）９基に一斉に火が入れられると、赤々と燃え上がった炎が寒空を照らし出した。

小正月の火祭り行事を見に砂浜を訪れた町民や観光客は、斎灯の火で団子や餠を焼き、一年の無病息災を願って頬張っていた。