There’s a custom in Okinawa to make rice cakes wrapped in a leaf of shell ginger on Dec. 8 of the Lunar calender, and offer them on the family altar. The rice cakes are believed to expel evil spirits, and they are offered with prayers for the health of the family, especially children. The average temperature this season in Okinawa is about 10 degrees C, but feels much colder because of prevailing high winds from north. The coldest day of the season is called “Muuchi bi-sa”.