Even as the government dithers, a good harvest and reasonable oil prices have helped to keep the economy ticking over.

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In the Akiu no Taue Odori, residents of the town of Akiu in northern Japan pray for a good harvest by simulating in dance the actions involved in transplanting rice.

UNESCO: Culture

"A good monsoon will also be deflationary, " Mr. Sabnavis said, noting that prices of food items depend not just on a good harvest, but also on farm input costs and whether the government increases assured prices of food staples.

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With Price Club, Sol Price single-handedly grew a new industry and with it, a perpetual harvest of good fortune.

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Gathering in fields or villages during community festivals, members of the Korean ethnic group in Jilin and other provinces in north-eastern China offer a traditional sacrifice to the God of the Land to pay homage to nature and pray for good fortune and a plentiful harvest.

UNESCO: Culture

In the old days (before the 1950s), a real log was doused with brandy and thrown on to the hearth, where its flames were scrutinised as a harbinger of the next year's harvest and its ashes preserved for good luck.

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