----- Nội dung ảnh -----
XI. Read and answer

The Obon Festival originates from the story of Mokuren, who used his supernatural powers to rescue his mother. The story is very common in China and countries which are strongly influenced by Chinese Buddhism such as Japan and Vietnam. In Vietnam the festival is a chance to show gratitude to parents while in Japan it’s to show gratitude to the ancestors. Obon festival takes place around July the 15th of lunar calendar. The Obon Festival lasts 3 days and in some places people are given week off. On the first day of Obon Festival, the Japanese often make a bonfire inside the garden or in front of the gate, light an oil lamp on the altar to guide the ancestors’ spirits home. In many places the Japanese use a cucumber or an eggplant to create the semblance of a horse which is used to carry the spirits.

During the time of Obon Festival the Japanese often place food on the altar, believing that the loved ones are around at the moment. In many places, they perform dance in costume, parading down the streets. Obon Festival is a chance for families to gather together and dance. Some people think the dance derived from the story: Mokuren danced happily with joy because of his mother’s release and grateful for his mother’s kindness. To the cities which organize costumed festivals everyone can register to take part. On the day of the dance, each team dresses up as registered, arrive at destined places and dance along the decorated streets. Many foreigners also enjoy this activity.