As a culture the Japanese have a very strong connection and reverence for their ancestors. Obon is the season when they welcome their spirits home for a visit and then send them away again at the close of Obon. It is very important to many families to travel home and be with relatives during this time. A lot of the traditions during Obon play out in family homes and cemeteries, but the most visible and accessible part of Obon is the last night where they once again say their farewells until the next summer. It is yet another reminded of the selfless unity and respect that is ingrained in this culture that is a beautiful thing to witness. Families write the names of family members on little lantern boats to float down the river. They also decorate them and add personal touches. The paper lanterns are a representation of the thin veil that separates the living from the dead and the belief that their ancestors will always be with them.
It was fun going with some great friends!
The boats are blessed and purified with chanting and incense, thought to lead and encourage the souls on their journey.
Family members take care in decorating their lanterns
The lanterns are then lit before being sent on their way
Some lanterns are passed hand to hand by event volunteers before being set into the river, while others are pushed down a little chute by the families themselves. It was a very touching thing to watch, one sweet old lady said "Sayonara" as she cried while pushing her little lantern away.
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| I love that some made little lanterns like the one on the right with a picture of a beloved dog |
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| Selfies take teamwork! |
Lovely mother, daughter duo
Shoro Nagashi or the Spirit Boat Procession is a part of Obon found mainly in Kyushu in the Nagasaki region. Sasebo has their own parade of boats celebrating Obon. Families and friends who have lost someone that year build a boat in their honor. They lovingly carry their loved one's spirit from their earthly home are release them into the spirit world. The streets are filled with boat after boat and the sound and smell of fireworks can be recognized from a distance. At the end of the festival the boats are destroyed. Obon is a time of joy mingled with sadness. The families are grateful that their relatives could come spend time with them after their passing, but followed by great sadness that they must return back again. I loved seeing these beautiful boats that were made with so much love that hold the photo/photos of loved ones, friends, and even pets were honored with their own boat.
Families buy food and gifts for their ancestors and leave them as an offering for them to take with them. This pile was massive!
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| Mariah showing off little Patrick |
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| We also randomly saw Captain Jack Sparrow |
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