OBON

OBON (or BON) is a Japanese traditional custom to greet back the spirit of ancestors. It is celebrated around the 13th to the 16th of August. (Depending on area, but the 15th is always included.)

Family members gather and prepare for ancestors to come home.
On the first day of OBON, after placing food and flower on family Bhudist alter, we burn hemp stems to create MUKAEBI (welcome fire) so the spirits know which house to go in.
A cucumber and an eggplant poked with small wooden sticks like four legs will be placed nearby. The cucumber is supposed to be a horse so the spirit can come fast, and the eggplant is a cow so he/she can go home relaxed.
On the last day of OBON, we burn hemp stems again at the same spot so our ancestors can go back to their places with the smoke. This is called OKURIBI (farewell fire).

OBON is an important custom to appreciate ancestors for giving us life, and to gather with family members. It is an ironic coincidence that today, August 15th, is also the last day of the second World War. We shall be grateful for our ancestors and for the peace we are able to enjoy today.