How do you spend the Obon period?
Many people are able to take long vacations, so they probably enjoy leisure activities or visit graves with their families.
Here we will introduce the commonly known Obon festival.
What is Obon?
"The spirits of ancestors return from the other world, spend time with their families, and then return to the other world."
It is one of the cultures that has been familiar to us for a long time.
Nationwide, Obon falls around August 13th to 16th, but in Tokyo and parts of the Kanto region, Obon falls on July 13th to 16th of the lunar calendar.
The first day of the month in which Obon is held is called "Kamabuta Tsukitachi."
This is the day when ancestors depart for their respective homes, and this day is considered the beginning of Obon, and preparations for Obon begin.
The 7th is called "Tanabata" (Star Festival), and spirit shelves and Bon altars are prepared to welcome ancestors.
Vegetables, fruits, and chrysanthemum flowers, which are said to ward off evil spirits , are offered on the spirit shelf, and bon lanterns are displayed as landmarks.
In addition to chrysanthemums , other flowers offered as offerings include gentians , marigolds,
It is said that flowers such as lisianthus are suitable, and it is best to avoid using even numbers and keep the number to around 3, 5, or 7.
Also, because the ground cherries are red and look like lanterns, they are said to serve as landmarks for ancestors returning home, just like Bon lanterns, and to spend their time dwelling there.
There are various ways to decorate ground cherries depending on the local climate and customs, but the most common ways are to display them together with flowers offered as offerings, place them on a plate with fruits and vegetables, or hang them with hemp string.
How to spend Obon
・On the 13th, in the evening, a "mukaebi" fire is lit to welcome the ancestors and pray that they will not get lost.
・14th and 15th: Fruits and sweets are placed on the spirit shelf where ancestors stay.
Offer the same food as your family
・16th: In the evening, a bonfire is lit to send them off.
This is the general procedure.
How people spend the time varies depending on the region, but it would be wonderful if people could cherish the time spent thinking about their ancestors and remembering the deceased.
Take this opportunity to reflect on the time you spent with the deceased and create a gentle moment to relive fond memories.
This will be a better way to spend Obon for you and your family.
Author: Takagi Edited by: Yui and Sekido
