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Quite a few ethnic groups observe the Torch Festival. The fesfival, however, is an important occasion for the Bai ethnic group,second only to the Spring Festival. It is held on the 25th day of the sixth lunar month. Legend has it that the festival is observed in commemoration of Mrs. Baijie, a staunch heroine, in ancient times. During the festival, women color their fingernails red. Large torches are lit in the villages, where young people express benediction one another by waving smaller torches. Other traditional activities such as horse race and Chuantian are organized, turning the festival into an occasion to pray for a good rice harvest.