Odd Custom

For one season of the year when the temperature reaches it's highest point the Nacirema get all sticky and uncomfortable. During the other seasons they spend the majority of their time gathered in a large building in which they repeat mundane tasks ad-nauseum, constantly longing for escape. This season grants the Nacirema their wish and releases them, however they soon realize that this surplus of time only strengthens their boredom. The combination of boredom and uncomfortably high temperatures causes the Nacirema to seek comfort in an astounding custom.
 The Nacirema typically have an enormous, man-made body of water localized in each village. It is very common for there to be multiple other smaller bodies of water used for the same purpose within the village, however those are typically reserved to the highest classes of Nacirema.
The body of water is gated on all sides and requires a small quantity of wampum to gain entrance. When inside the Nacirema are introduced to a number of unique laws that are only applicable within these walls. Such laws prohibit acting equine, entering the water without initially dousing oneself in holy water, leaping headfirst, consuming food anywhere near the immaculate pond, and even limit a patron's speed. These laws are defended by a group of sentries that spread out around the pond. Each sentry has been trained excruciatingly to withhold these laws. They have eagle like vision although it's impossible to see their eyes. Also like the mighty eagle, each sentry is perched on a high tower that increases the span of their view.  Not only do they make sure each patron obeys the laws of the pond, their many purpose in fact is to defend the well being of each individual. They have been trained to perform many techniques, akin to ti chi, that are used to resuscitate any individual in harm.
The villagers who visit the pond have many strange customs. It's not unlikely for a villager, typically a female, to visit the pond, yet never enter the water. They simply apply pastes to their skin and lie in the hot sunlight, contrary to the expected intention. The ones who do enter the water don't simply wade, instead many games are played within the pond. Competitions for who can hold their breath longest take place, acrobatic stunts are performed by leaping off of incredibly high peaks and can even include simply falling flat on ones stomach. Pond goers will often attempt to submerge others by violently pushing down on their heads.
The most unique thing I have seen at this pond is the customary "cleansing" of the pond. The sentries regularly pour large quantities of magical potions into the water. This is such an odd custom as it only seems to cause pool goers to gain a foul odor, requires them to bathe again after being in the water all day, and most outrageous of all, literally causes intense pain and reddening of the eyes.