Obon is a very important traditional festival. People believe that their ancestors come back to the homes of family members to be reunited. The family prays for the spirits in from of the BUTSUDAN (the altar) and place offerings to receive permission and blessings from their ancestors. Obon started as a Buddhist tradition.
Seen above is a small altar with food offerings, flowers and incense. The food that is eaten during this time as well as gifts from visitors must be placed in at or beside the altar for a short time before consuming them. On the last day of Obon money is burned to help with the spirits passage back to the next world.
The family gathers for the last good bye. Offerings can be seen on the table. Espe is also sharing in this custom as we learn Japanese culture.
After all the blessings we eat on the floor with the family. We eat Okinawa Soba, Tempura, Rice balls etc. As you can see Espe has become quite the expert at Japanese cuisine and helped make some of the Onigiri (rice balls covered with seaweed) for dinner.
The lantern that are lit are called: Chochin and the incense is called: Senko
Above is the picture of my friend Carmen's mother. It is a great honor to be invited to such an important holiday. Upon arrival to home we must remove our shoes, place our gift on the altar, take incense hold it over the offering and say a prayer. It was a learning experience for Espe and I.
It is a happy holiday and the end is celebrated with fireworks as well as Eisa dancers playing drums through the streets.
Espe enjoys fireworks with her Okinawan family.
Thank you Odo family for letting us share the time with you.
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