OBON

                             


The Bon-bon or O (in Japanese, some are substantive precedes the vowel "O" to disposeof respect and formality) is one of the most important traditions for Japanese. The Obonwas celebrated in antiquity under the Buddhist religion, from India, to pray for the repose ofthe souls of the ancestors, and long life to live on day 15 of the seventh lunar month. The word comes from Urabon Obon-e, derived from the Hindu word "Ullabana."

According to Bussetsu Urabon Sutra, the origin of this tradition goes back to the ceremonyby the Buddha Shakyamuni in honor of the late mother of Maudgalyayana, a disciple of the latter, during a meditation session became aware of the suffering of his recently deceasedmother . Through his compassion and Buddha's advice could help her mother's spirit rest in peace. Which means, that the dead also have to leave their families, and that the livingmust alleviate, remembering and praying to them for their welfare.

The Japanese believe that the spirits of their ancestors return home to reunite with theirfamilies during this commemoration. Obon is an important period for Japanese families,because it allows to meet and reconnect. There is a national holiday, but many Japanese take vacation that week to meet with their families.

Currently, the Obon is celebrated around the August 15 solar calendar, but the date of celebration varies in some regions of Japan. It usually starts on August 13 and end on 16.In Okinawa is still celebrated on the 15th of lunar calendar.


                                              


During those days people clean their houses and the graves of their ancestors, place flowers and pour water on them in a small ceremony called "Mairi Haka" and prepare thealtar (butsudan) to honor the spirits of their families. Many families have a small altar in their homes, but what are you preparing for that special date day 13. Place the image of Buddha, emblem or family crest, and offering several (dry tree leaves or hanging plants,candles, kamidana, apples or other fruits, bamboo, incense, miso, a bell, etc.).. If your family has a member who died last year, is usually prepared in advance (the first week ofAugust) and it has more significant and symbolic elements of the family.


After the family has visited the cemetery to greet his ancestors, offerings of food placed on the altar, such as rice balls, raw rice, lotus flowers, eggplant, zucchini. Some altars arezucchini and eggplant with sticks resembling the legs of a horse. According to belief, it is said that the ancestors came mounted in cows.

On August 13 lit paper lanterns at home and perform the mukaebon, which is that familiescome to the graves of their ancestors to pray to and ask them to come home and put thesepaper lanterns (chouchin) from the cemetery to their homes. According to tradition, light isthe element used to guide the path of the spirits for their safe return home. In other parts ofJapan the headlights are replaced by a torch of fire (pine) or small bonfires (hemp leaf).These flares, lit bonfires and lanterns are called mukaebi (fire welcome or greeting). In some cemeteries in Japan light candles in stone lamps is around, and placed in each lamp calligraphy paper (to prevent the candle) to welcome the ancestors.



On August 16 families in some regions of Japan light up the torches and lanterns again inwhat is called okuribi (fire-bye) to wish him a happy return to the world of the dead, andthank you for your visit. The paper lanterns or lamps (chouchin) are painted with the coat of arms, and transported the August 16th to the grave of the deceased to show you the way back and who knows how to recognize the emblem of the family, this action okuribon call.

During the week, commemorative activities will occur:

Bon Odori The

It is a traditional Japanese dance, which is used to perform on these dates and during the night, as it is at night that souls return. The type of dance varies by region. The women arewearing the summer kimono (yukata), and dance on a stage, where they play music withtaiko drums and traditional music. Music is happy to welcome the ancestors, anyone can participate in the dance, you just need a smile and look as they do to keep up.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du_2AqKzJN4&feature=player_embedded#!


Toro Nagashi

It is celebrated on the night of August 15. Is to send back the spirit of the dead to the worldthrough headlights, with a light or candle inside, floating down the river before emptying intothe sea. Again, this practice varies by region of Japan, Hiroshima is customary to makesuch a wooden boat and sent to sea in the port.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8vWHPQ7DGE&feature=player_embedded


Go-zan no Okuri-bi
Go-zan-bi Okuri not

Literary Translation: Five Mountains in the fire of goodbye. When dusk falls on the 16th, five mountains around Kyoto are illuminated by bonfires, offered as a farewell to the souls of the ancestors. They make shapes with kanji (Chinese characters), especially the kanji "Ookii" or "Dai" (large), "myo" miracle "ho" doctrine, as well as the figure of a boat that gives us theidea of ​​parting and going . It is also known as the Daimonji.

The smell in the streets, temples, cemeteries and homes are filled with the fragrant incense"Senko" used for this occasion.