Rushing around the fire, always to the left, they begin thrusting their wands toward the fire, trying to burn off the down from the tips.

Owing to the intensity of the heat this is difficult to accomplish.

One warrior dashes wildly toward the fire and retreats; another lies as close to the ground as a frightened lizard, endeavoring to wriggle himself up to the fire; others seek to catch on their wands the sparks that fly in the air.

At last one by one they all succeed in burning the downy balls from the wands.

The test of endurance is very severe, the heat of the fire being so great.
"The remarkable feats, however, are performed in connection with another dance that follows.