Soot Festival in China...

The Mohei Festival, celebrated by the Hani people in Mojiang, Yunnan, is renowned for its unique tradition of smearing soot on each other's faces. It is part of the broader Hani New Year celebrations Hani people are a Lolo-speaking ethnic group in Southern China and Northern Laos and Vietnam.

Held in late April or early May, this ritual is more than just playful; it's symbolic, intended to ward off evil spirits and misfortune, bringing good luck and protection in the coming year. The soot used is traditionally collected from the bottom of pots, embodying purity despite its grimy appearance, and is considered to have cleansing properties.