WHEN EAST MEETS WEST: The Bon Festival
Friday, August 07, 2009
Commentary by Hank F. Miller Jr.
The Bon Festival in Japan,honoring the spirits of ancestors, has been observed since the 7th century. It was originally held from the 13th to the 15th of the seventh month in the lunar calendar, but today it is generally celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of August .
Among the traditional preparations for the ancestors' return are the cleaning of their tombstones and pathways from their graves to their homes,and the setting up of bom altars to welcome and entertain their ancestors spirits who are believed to have returned home.various offerings of vegetables, fruit,rice as well as Japanese sake and other drinks are offered.On the 13th, welcoming fires or candles are lit in front of houses to guide the souls home,Buddhist priests are usually always called to recite sutras.
Then the visiting souls are sent off with special send-off fires on the 15th.In fact,the whole country seems to be on the move during this period of time because the Bon Festival provides all the family members with a chance to get together,no matter how scattered they are.Most people living in the cities return to their hometowns. Along with New Year's the Bon Festival is an extremely important traditional event in Japan.
Warm Regards to All from Kitakyushu City, Japan, and Have a Most Safe and Wonderful Summer Season.
Hank F. Miller Jr.
The author is a former resident of Gloucester City NJ who now lives in Kitakyushu City, Japan.