Hello! Today, I’d like to talk about “Obon,” one of Japan’s important traditions. If you live in Japan, you may notice that many Japanese people return to their hometowns to spend time with their families at the end of summer. This is during the Obon period.
What is Obon?
Obon is a traditional Japanese event where people welcome and honor the spirits of their ancestors. It is usually held in mid-August, and during this time, families and relatives gather to remember their ancestors and express their gratitude. Buddhism has a strong influence in Japan, and Obon is based on Buddhist teachings.
The Origin of Obon
The origin of Obon comes from an ancient Buddhist tale from India. It is said that one of Buddha’s disciples learned that his deceased mother was suffering in hell, so he made offerings to save her. This act became known as “Urabon-e,” a ritual to honor the spirits of the deceased, and was later introduced to Japan, where it became known as Obon.
What Happens During Obon?
During Obon, Japanese people perform various traditional rituals. The most representative of these are the “Mukaebi” (welcoming fire) and “Okuribi” (sending-off fire).
Mukaebi is held on August 13th, the beginning of Obon, where people light a fire in front of their homes to guide the spirits of their ancestors back home. This fire acts as a beacon, helping the spirits find their way.
On the other hand, Okuribi is a ritual performed at the end of Obon, usually on August 16th, where people light a fire again to send the spirits back to the other world. One famous example of Okuribi is the “Daimonji” in Kyoto, where large characters are set ablaze on a mountain, creating a beautiful and memorable sight.
Family Homecoming
During Obon, many Japanese people return to their hometowns from the cities. This is because Obon is a time to spend with family. It is common for people working in the cities to go back to their hometowns to be with their families and honor their ancestors during this period. As a result, transportation systems are extremely crowded, and it’s often difficult to get tickets for the Shinkansen (bullet train) or flights if you don’t book in advance.
Conclusion
Obon is a vital event for understanding Japanese culture and traditions. It’s a special time for the Japanese, where they honor their ancestors and cherish their family bonds. If you live in Japan, I encourage you to experience Obon for yourself. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.