Obon お盆

Obon (お盆), or Bon (盆), is a traditional four-day Buddhist festival in Japan, typically celebrated from the 13th-16th in July or August. The occasion centers around the belief that spirits of peoples’ ancestors return to the world of the living during this time. Due to the Arizona summer heat, the Garden celebrates Obon, in partnership with the Arizona Buddhist Temple, for an evening in May.  

The name Obon is a combination of the honorific prefix o- (お-) and a contraction of the full name: Urabon (盂蘭盆) or Urabon-e (盂蘭盆会). Before the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, there was already a twice-yearly event in the country where people would invite their ancestors’ spirits into their homes. This originally occurred on the full moon in spring and fall. After Buddhism was introduced in the mid 6th century, it took a while for the religion to spread; however, the ruling noble families were quicker to adapt to the religion. Buddhism had more complex foundations than the already existing Shintoism, and the wealthy classes had time and money to give to experienced teachers.  There is evidence of the Obon festival being practiced as early as the 7th century, under Empress Suiko’s rule. By the year 733, Obon had become a customary holiday within the court, and has been held annually since.

Lanterns displayed at a JFG festival

Obon shares some similarities to the Mexican celebration, Día de Los Muertos, where ancestors come to visit the families’ ofrendas over a period of time. Additionally, as part of the traditions of Obon, Japanese families will clean the graves of their departed relatives, prepare the household alter, provide temple offerings, and display lanterns with the intention of helping guide spirits to and from the other realm.  

On the first day of Obon, families engage in mukae-bon (迎え盆), the act of welcoming the spirits of their ancestors. Such activities include ohaka-mairi and mukae-bi. Ohaka-mairi (お墓参り; lit. visiting the grave) is the Japanese word used for the act of cleaning the grave of their ancestors. While families will often visit their family grave site throughout the year (i.e. on the anniversary of a family member’s passing), it is customary to visit for Obon. As part of the process, flowers and/or food are left as offerings, and candles, incense, or lanterns are lit to act as beacons to help guide the spirits to their families. Mukae-bi (迎え火), or welcoming fires, are also lit for the purpose of guiding ancestors home. Traditionally, this was done by creating a bonfire at the family’s home, but due to safety concerns, hanging bon-lanterns (bon-dyōchin, or 盆提灯) at home is becoming more commonplace. 

The traditional dance of Obon, Bon Odori. Photo by savvytokyo.com/obon-the-japanese-festival-of-the-dead

The second and third days of Obon are more jovial in nature, and follow similar patterns of Japanese festivals: street food, parades, and carnival games. As Obon takes place during the summer, people wear yukata (a thinner kimono suitable for hot weather) to enjoy bon odori, the traditional dance of Obon. Bon odori (盆踊り, lit. bon dance) varies by region in Japan, with different dance styles and accompanying music being performed. These regional differences demonstrate the long history of Obon in Japan, as it was uncommon for people to travel widely at the time when Obon was being incorporated into Japanese culture (7th century). 

The final day of Obon mirrors the first day: the spirits must be guided back to their realm via okuri-bon (the sending off period). Just as the mukae-bi (迎え火, welcoming fires) guided the spirits at the start, okuri-bi (送り火, sending off fires) guide spirits at the end, but in the opposite direction. There is an additional element to the final day, a ceremony called Tōrō Nagashi (灯篭流し), where floating lanterns are released into bodies of water. It is believed these floating lanterns also aid the spirits in finding their way back to the spirit realm.  

You can enjoy Bon Odori and Tōrō Nagashi during the Garden’s celebration of Obon. We host the Arizona Buddhist Temple, and with their help we can make this event truly special and authentic. The Temple leads their own Bon Odori, where attendees are encouraged to join in. Additionally, monks from the Temple perform a traditional chanting ceremony to open the event, which helps set a mindful tone for the evening.  

Praying monk from Wix Media

The Arizona Buddhist Temple is a non-profit that has a very long history. It is the longest-established Buddhist temple in the state of Arizona, as the temple was originally built in 1933. Despite temporary closure due to WWII interment, and a fire in 1957 destroying the original building, they continued to serve the area, and in 1961, the temple would be rebuilt. The temple is now used for both regular service and practices, as well as cultural outreach, as they offer a wide range of programs primarily focused on Jodo Shinshu teaching and cultivating the dharma. We are so thankful for our partnership with them, and truly appreciate their help for such an integral and authentic cultural exchange. 

We hope you can make it Obon in the Garden and experience this unique celebration for yourself!