Why is the Obon festival celebrated?
Obon (お盆) is an annual Buddhist event for commemorating one’s ancestors. It is believed that each year during obon, the ancestors’ spirits return to this world in order to visit their relatives.
What does Obon mean in Japanese?
Obonnoun. A Japanese festival to honour the spirits of one’s ancestors. Etymology: From お盆.
Who created the Obon festival?
Maha Maudgalyayana
The History of Obon The Buddha instructed his disciple to make offerings on the 15th day of the 7th month to Buddhist monks returning from their summer retreat. By doing so, Maha Maudgalyayana was able to free his mother, after which he danced with joy. This dance is said to be the origin of the Obon festival.
Who started Obon?
The History of Obon The Buddha instructed his disciple to make offerings on the 15th day of the 7th month to Buddhist monks returning from their summer retreat. By doing so, Maha Maudgalyayana was able to free his mother, after which he danced with joy. This dance is said to be the origin of the Obon festival.
What are some important symbols of Obon?
Lanterns play an important role throughout the three days of Obon. At night, families go to the cemetery carrying lanterns designed to light the path for the ancestral spirits. Sometimes lanterns are left burning on the graves, casting an eery glow over the otherwise dark cemetery.
What does Obon literally mean?
Obon – Short for Urabone, which is the Japanese word stemming from the Sanskrit word, Ullambana. It means ‘hanging upside down’, to signify suffering. Obon is about freeing ancestors from suffering.
When is Obon in Japan?
The dates may also change depending on whether the particular region celebrates the Obon according to the solar calendar in mid-July (the regions of Tokyo, Yokohama, and Tohoku) or the lunar calendar in mid-August (the majority of Japan). Don’t miss it! Add to your wishlist now and we will remind you in advance
When is the Obon season in 2021?
In 2021, the peak of the Obon travel season is anticipated to take place between August 7 and August 16. The busiest days are expected to be August 12 and 13 with people leaving the big cities and August 15 and 16 with people returning to the big cities. Questions? Ask in our forum.
When is the Obon travel season 2018?
In 2018, the peak of the Obon travel season is anticipated to take place between August 11 and August 19. The busiest days for domestic travel are expected to be around August 11-12 with people leaving the big cities, and August 15-16 with people returning to the big cities.
What is the busiest day for Obon?
Traffic Situation – Obon 2021 In 2021, the peak of the Obon travel season is anticipated to take place between August 7 and August 16. The busiest days are expected to be August 12 and 13 with people leaving the big cities and August 15 and 16 with people returning to the big cities.