Japan - Golden Week

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…and also because of the belief that the iris holds medicinal powers to ward off illnesses. Sake with finely chopped shobu leaves mixed in it is prepared. In ancient times, the leaves of the shobu was also believed to have some kind of power to extinguish fire. Accordingly, people still observe the tradition of placing shobu leaves in the attic of their houses as a talisman to ward off possible fire breakouts and evil spirits.