Two people ignite a fire as part of sacrificial rites at Saihantala Grassland in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Jan 21, 2017. The 23^rd day of the twelfth lunar month is Fire Day in Mongolian culture, also known as Fire Worship Festival, originating from the traditional worship of fire practiced by ancient Mongolians. Fire is thought to represent purity and to symbolize gods. It is one of the oldest and most important sacrificial rites for Mongolian people. [Photo/Xinhua]

People walk around an ovoo at the Fire Worship Festival in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Jan 21, 2017. The 23^rd day of the twelfth lunar month is Fire Day in Mongolian culture, also known as Fire Worship Festival, originating from the traditional worship of fire practiced by ancient Mongolians. Ovoo, or Oboo in Mongolian, are sacred stone heaps used as shrines or altars. Ovoos mainly serve as sites for worshipping ceremonies, but it is also thought they might bring a good harvest and good health to an individual. [Photo/Xinhua]