Local festivals throughout the islands often take place on the beach, and involve welcoming gods (esp. Miruku) to the village, with [[harisen|dragon boat]] races, tall decorative pikes or spears festooned with streamers and banners, and music & dances. Similar ritual elements are seen in paintings depicting the welcoming back (or sending off) of [[tribute]] ships bound for (or returning from) China. | Local festivals throughout the islands often take place on the beach, and involve welcoming gods (esp. Miruku) to the village, with [[harisen|dragon boat]] races, tall decorative pikes or spears festooned with streamers and banners, and music & dances. Similar ritual elements are seen in paintings depicting the welcoming back (or sending off) of [[tribute]] ships bound for (or returning from) China. |