Obon Festival

Obon or just Bon is the day of the year that the Japanese celebrate

their deceased loved ones and ancestors.  

Its about spirituality, being with family, and having fun!

The Japanese honor their ancestors

by cleaning the graves and preparing the favorite dishes of their loved ones who have passed on.

Yummy!

This one looks like it might be my favorite :3

 And there is a street celebration, where vendors sell food and the 

dance odori is done in the evening.

     

      There are drummers on a 6 foot tower/stage or on the ground 

playing beats for the odori dancers.

  Odori dancers dance around the tower that the drummers are on or dance down the street, 

bystanders are encouraged to join the bon odori dance as well.

 dancing around the stage

 dancing down the street

Dancing around the tower.

 
"Many sources say that the origins of the dance are due to the story of Mokuren, a disciple of Buddha. For those of you that have not heard the story, it goes something like this:

 please go to this link

 --------> http://www.mauitime.com/Articles-i-2008-07-03-181203.112113-Bon-Odori.html <-------

 Altars, Memorials and Graves. Oh, my!






and finally at the end of the bon festival we make floating lanterns that guide the deceased back
 to the realm of spirits.

Thank You For Reading, Have A Nice Night!


Love, Morticia