〇Things to do during Obon

In Japan, there is a period called ‘Obon holiday’ in August.

The Obon period is a time to pay respects to one’s ancestors.

During Obon, preparations are made to welcome ancestors, including lighting welcoming fires and preparing offerings.

Welcoming fires are lit to guide ancestors home so they do not get lost.

On the evening of the last day of Obon, sending fires are lit to see ancestors off.

〇Obon decorations

The most famous Obon decorations are cucumber horses and eggplant cows. Cucumbers and eggplants are decorated with toothpicks or chopsticks as legs to resemble horses and cows. The cucumber horses are called ‘shoryo-uma’ (spirit horses) with the wish that ancestors will return quickly, and the eggplant cows are called ‘shoryo-ushi’ (spirit cows) with the wish that ancestors will return slowly to the other world. Both are meant to represent the vehicles that ancestors use to travel between this world and the afterlife.

〇Obon that foreigners can enjoy

In Nagasaki Prefecture, near Fukuoka Prefecture where NILS Annex is located, there is a traditional Obon event called ‘Shoryo Nagashi.’ It is held every year on 15 August by the families of those who passed away before Obon to mourn the spirits of their loved ones. Participants parade through the streets pulling handmade boats, symbolising the sending off of the departed to the Pure Land of Bliss—a scene emblematic of Nagasaki’s Obon festivities. The boats are decorated to reflect the deceased’s hobbies and preferences, resulting in uniquely designed vessels. By August, numerous boats in various stages of construction, meticulously adorned with intricate decorations, can be seen lining the streets.

Our school have summer vacation in August. Participating in local festivals can create memorable experiences. 

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