We do lots of things that are normal, but the most bizarre tradition is to burn down maiden grass!!! lol!!! It is supposed to be chopped or burned back every season, but it's more fun when you have been drinking and are in a large group..
About 6 years ago, my uncle (the instigator) actually inadvertently melted a portion of the very proper neighbor's fence with the blaze (it wasn't that close, but apparently it was THAT HOT). It was very funny..thankfully he is very comfortable financially lol!
here is an example of what it looks like---but we do it at night and the plants are larger lol!
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-LG5WL6Tz0"]Ornamental Grasses - Torched to perfection - YouTube[/ame]