What is the date of the Bon Festival in Japan? Is it by the solar or lunar calendar?

Bon ceremonies usually begin on the 13th of July or August, depending on the region. The main rituals include お盆いり(ObonIri)(setting up of lanterns), welcoming fire (Mukaebi) (a "welcome back fire" to guide ancestors home), お盆あけ(ObonAke), or sending of り-bon (Okuribon) (ceremonies or services for the dead), and sending of り-fire (Okuribi), which is a fire for the dead. Okuribi) (a "farewell" fire).

Obon, or Bon, as it is called, is one of the most important festivals in Japan, and has been celebrated in Japan for over 500 years. With Confucian roots, Obon is a traditional custom, mainly through Buddhism, that involves the use of "bons" (lanterns) to guide ancestors home by way of ancestor worship.

The Obon festival lasts for about 3 to 4 days and is celebrated in different ways, which you will learn about in the following article.

However, Obon is not an entirely solemn event, as it is celebrated with a special dance called the "Bon-odori", and many people are able to take a break from work due to the holiday season. Although it is not possible for the whole country to take a vacation together, most office workers and students have time off to spend with their loved ones. Although the whole country can't take a vacation, most office workers and students have time off to visit the graves of their ancestors with their loved ones, and students can also participate in the event during their summer vacation!

Obon Festival Offerings

Before serving to family members, offerings should be made in front of a Buddhist shrine with all sincerity. And the offerings should be prepared so that they can be eaten at any time by everyone, including the ancestors. For example, the noodles should be prepared in a boiled state with a good broth, and a pair of chopsticks should be prepared next to the noodles.