Obon, or, simply the word Bon, is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors who have passed away. This Buddhist custom has become a family reunion holiday when people gather at the places where their ancestors are laid to rest to visit and clean because the spirits of their ancestors are expected to revisit the family household altars. The Feast of Lanterns, as Obon is also sometimes called, has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years. Traditionally, Obon includes a dance, known as Bon Odori.
The festival of Obon lasts for approximately three days. However, the date of Obon often times varies throughout different parts of Japan. It is written that when the lunar calendar was changed to the solar calendar at the start of the Meiji era, the powers that be in Japan decided on three different times for the beginning of Obon. Shichigatsu Bon, or, Bon in July, is based on the solar calendar, and is therefore celebrated right around July 15th in areas like Tokyo, Yokohama and Tohoku. Hachigatsu Bon, or, Bon in August, is based on the solar calendar, and is therefore celebrated right around August 15th. Also, this is the most commonly celebrated time in Japan for Obon. Kyu Bon, or, Old Bon, is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. So, the date is different every year. Kyu Bon is celebrated in areas like the northern part of the Kanto region, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu and the Southwestern islands of Japan. These three days are not considered public holidays, but it is customary that people are given time off of work for this purpose.
The word Obon is a shortened form of the Japanese word Uabonne, or, Urabanna. The word Ullambana is Sanskrit for, hanging upside down, and implies extreme suffering. The Japanese believe they should make better the suffering of the Urabanna.
Bon Odori comes from the story of Mokuren, a disciple of the Buddha. He used his supernatural powers to look upon his mother who had passed on. He discovered that his mother had fallen into a region of hungry ghosts and was suffering. Greatly disturbed, he went to Buddha to ask how he could remove his mother form this place. Buddha told him to make offerings to the Buddhist monks who had just finished their summer retreat. This happened to fall on the 15th day of the seventh month. He did this, and shortly after, his mother was set free. He also began to see the true nature of her unselfishness that she displayed in the past, and he also began to realize all of the sacrifices she had made for him. Happy because of his mother's release, and grateful for his mother's kindness, he danced with joy. From this dance of joy comes Bon Odori, or, Bon Dance. This is a time in which ancestors and their sacrifices are remembered and appreciated.
Obon occurs in the summer months, when it is pretty warm. So, people who participate usually wear yukata, or, light kimonos made from cotton. Many Obon celebrations in Japan include a carnival with rides and games. Summer food, like watermelon, is also a very popular item that you may find at Obon festivals.
Obon festivals end with Toro Nagashi, or, the floating of lanterns. This is when paper lanterns are lit up and then floated down rivers. This symbolically alerts the spirits of the ancestors to return to the world of the dead. Usually, this ceremony has a display of fireworks.
Bon Odori, or, Bon Dance, is an event held during Obon. Bon Odori is a dance that is performed to remind people of the gratefulness they should feel towards their ancestors.
Each region of Japan has its own local Bon dance. Also, there is different music accompanying the dances. The music is often made up of songs relevant to the spiritual message of Obon. The Bon dance will also look and sound different from region to region. The way in which the dance is performed is also different in each region. However, a common Bon dance involves people lining up in a circle around a high wooden scaffold made specifically for the Obon festival called a yagura. The yagura is the platform for the musicians and singers of the Obon music. There are other ways in which a regional Bon dance can differ. Some dances make use of different kinds of fans, while others make use of small towels known as tenugui. These small towels are usually very colorful, and some have intricate designs. Some dances make use of small wooden clappers, or, kachi kachi.
Well, I am happy to be able to share some information with you about Obon Festivals. But, when Obon is held here on Kauai, it is a little bit different. There are no carnival rides, but there are some games usually. Also, there are some stands selling certain food
and drinks, but I am quite certain that these items are different than that of those that are sold in Japan during a Bon Dance. I encourage you to attend a Bon Dance on Kauai because they are very interesting to watch, and they are fun to participate in. You won’t be disappointed if you go to a bon dance-Bon Dances incorporate music, dance, food and fun. How could anyone not have a good time with all of this going on around them? So, please join us at a Bon Dance on Kauai the next time you are here!!!
