While taking my time to look around and appreciate all that other cultures have to offer in terms of variety and uniqueness, I stumbled across this fantastic post describing the tradition on the Japanese peninsula of Oga:
https://samuraidave.wordpress.com/2009/03/04/japanese-devils-scare-the-laziness-out-of-kids/
In short, the tradition centers around Namahage, a local mountain deity who…well, he must be seen to be believed (yes, that is a picture of one depiction at the top of the post). His role in the ritual is to punish children who have not been good or have not obeyed their parents.
This is just one of the many unique and distinctive celebrations that are taking place all around the world today and ones that should be shared as much as possible (and preferably experienced by any who are able…) so that all of the wonders and delights of the world are known to all.
