Obon (お盆) is a Buddhist event that represents summer in Japan. It is held every year in August (July in some regions), and it is believed that the spirits of deceased ancestors return home.
1. Mukaebi and Okuribi
- 13th (Mukaebi): A fire is lit at the entrance of the house to guide the ancestors so they can return without getting lost.
- 16th (Okuribi): The returned spirits are sent off again. Kyoto's "Gozan no Okuribi" (Daimonji) is famous.
2. Shoryo-uma (Spirit Horses)
Cucumbers and eggplants are pricked with chopsticks to make "horses" and "cows." This has a funny meaning:
- Cucumber Horse: "I want you to come back quickly" (Horse is fast).
- Eggplant Cow: "I want you to go back slowly" or "I want you to take many souvenirs back with you."
| Event / Custom | Meaning | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Bon Odori | Dance to comfort spirits | Mid-August |
| Kisei | Returning to one's hometown | Obon holiday |
| O-haka-mairi | Cleaning the grave and praying | During Obon |
| Chochin | Lanterns as markers | In front of the altar |
[!IMPORTANT] Modern Obon: In Japan, many companies close during the Obon period. The "Kisei Rush," where highways and Shinkansen are extremely crowded, has become a feature of Japanese summer.
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Related Words and Phrases
- Bon-yasumi: Summer holiday
- Jikka: One's parents' house / hometown
- Senkou: Incense sticks
- Sonaemono: Offerings
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