What is the Japanese Obon Festival? When is it celebrated and how do you spend it?

Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).

In Japan, there is a period in August called "Obon."
Many companies are closed during the Obon period.

This time, we will introduce what Obon is like in Japan, when it is celebrated, and how to spend it.

What is the Japanese Obon Festival?

Obon is a traditional Buddhist summer event in which the spirits of ancestors are welcomed and offered prayers for their temporary return.

The name Obon comes from the Buddhist盂蘭盆会（URABONE） "is.
盂蘭盆会 It is said that the name was derived from the abbreviation "Obon."

Although the Obon period is not a national holiday, many companies have about four days off.
This is an important period for visiting graves and gathering with family and relatives.

The timing and way of celebrating Obon varies from region to region.

When is Obon in Japan? Does the timing differ by region?

In most areas, the Obon period runs from August 13th to 16th.

However, there are actually three different ways of thinking about the Obon period depending on the region:

• Regions from August 13th to 16th
• July 13th to 16th Region
• Different regions each year

The period generally known as the Obon period, from August 13th to 16th, is "旧盆（KYUUBON） "It is called "

Why does the Obon period vary from region to region?

In Japan, events have long been held according to the old lunar calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon.
However, in 1873, the new calendar (solar calendar) based on the movement of the sun came into use.

With the introduction of the new calendar, the Obon period shifted from August to July.
The Obon festival in the new calendar, which has shifted to July,新盆（SHINBON）／新暦盆（SHINREKIBON） "It is called "

The Obon period is not determined by law, so it varies by region.旧盆・新盆 It depends on which one you adopt.

There are also some regions that have not adopted the new calendar and continue to use the old calendar.
In the case of the lunar calendar, the timing is based on the phases of the moon, so the Obon period changes every year.

[Obon period according to the calendar]

• Regions where Shinreki and Kyubon are celebrated: Most areas of Japan
• Regions where Shinreki and Shinbon are celebrated: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Ishikawa, and some areas of Shizuoka (urban areas)
• Areas that still use the lunar calendar: Okinawa Prefecture, Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture

Introducing how to spend the Obon period in Japan

Here is an introduction to how people generally spend Obon.

Spending time with family and relatives

Many people have the day off from school and work during Obon, so many people return to their hometowns.
Families and relatives gather together, enjoy meals together, and visit the graves of their loved ones.

With so many people on the move, roads and public transport become congested.

Visiting the grave and making offerings

The Obon period is the time when the spirits of ancestors return.
To honor the spirits of our ancestors, we visit their graves and leave offerings at the graves and Buddhist altars.

One of the offerings was, "精霊馬（SHOURYOUUMA）" There is.
精霊馬 is one of the offerings made from eggplant and cucumber.

Eggplants represent cows and cucumbers represent horses, and they are meant to make it easier for the spirits of ancestors to travel between the afterlife and this world.

Participate in Bon Odori and festivals

During the Obon period, Bon Odori dances and local festivals may be held.

Bon Odori is a dance to honor the spirits of ancestors.
There are different dances in each region, but the most common style involves a large group of people dancing in a circle to the accompaniment of music and drums.

The most representative traditional event during Obon in Japan is the "五山送り火（GOZAN NO OKURIBI）" There is.
The Gozan no Okuribi is an event to send the spirits of ancestors who were welcomed during Obon back to the afterlife.

Five mountains in Kyoto City大 "or"妙" "法" and other characters will appear.
The most famous is東山（HIGASHIYAMA） The character "大" appears on the screen.

The events held during Obon have the purpose of welcoming and offering prayers for the spirits of ancestors.
Therefore, rather than a solemn atmosphere, it tends to be bright and lively.

Is Obon celebrated in countries other than Japan?

Obon is a Buddhist event.
Although the timing and customs differ, Obon is observed in Buddhist countries other than Japan as well.

Vietnamese Obon

Vietnam's "Buran Festival" is an event that corresponds to the Japanese Obon festival and is held to honor the spirits of ancestors.
The Bulan Festival falls on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar (mid-August to mid-September in the Gregorian calendar).

The following two points are slightly different from Obon in Japan.

• There is a custom of burning paper or clothes that represent money so that ancestors will not be in trouble in the afterlife.
• No holidays

The holiday is celebrated in the same way as Obon in Japan, with people making offerings and visiting graves.

Chinese Obon

Although it is different from the Japanese Obon, there are two events held to honor the spirits of ancestors.

Qingming Festival

This event takes place every year around April 5th, when people visit the graves of their ancestors and purify them.
Offerings and visiting graves are like money.紙銭（Zhǐqián） There is a custom of burning "
The Qingming Festival is a holiday.

Obon Festival

It is held on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar (usually around mid-August).
On Obon, people also make offerings and visit graves.
Obon is not a holiday.

Summary: Obon in Japan is an event to welcome and hold memorial services for the spirits of ancestors

Obon is a traditional summer event in which the spirits of ancestors are welcomed and offered prayers.

In many areas, the Obon period runs from August 13th to 16th, and many companies and other businesses are closed during this time.
However, the timing of Obon varies by region; in some areas it is celebrated in July, while in other areas it follows the lunar calendar.

People often spend the Obon period gathering with family and relatives, visiting graves and making offerings to their ancestors.
Many people have time off during Obon, so it's also an opportunity to spend time with relatives you don't get to see often.

During the Obon period, Bon Odori dances and local festivals are often held, creating a lively atmosphere.
There are also many festivals held, so be sure to participate in them.

There are events similar to Obon in Buddhist countries other than Japan, such as Vietnam and China.
Enjoy the differences between Obon in your country and this one.

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