Obon is an abbreviation of Ullambana, which is derived from Sanskrit, meaning "hanging up" and refers to a great liberation. The Japanese believe that on this day the dead can escape the hardships of being hung up in hell by the crimes they have done. Source Obon, also known as Bon, is a traditional Japanese custom of Buddhism. This festival is organized to commemorate the deceased relatives. Over time, this custom has developed into a family reunion, the time when people return to their homeland to visit, clean the grave of the ancestors. This is also the time when they believe that the souls of the deceased are allowed to return to their descendants.The time of Obon In addition, Obon is also known under the name "Boat Festival". It has been held in Japan for more than 500 years, and is often associated with folk dances, called Bon-Odori. Bon festivities last for three to four days, but the start of the festival varies across regions of Japan: * Shichigatsu Bon (Bon Bon), held on July 15, in regions such as Tokyo, Yokohama and Tohoku. * Kyu Bon (Old Bon) held on the 15th lunar month in the northern regions of Kanto, Chugoku, Shikoku and the islands in the southwest. * Hatchigatsu Bon (Bon Bon) is held on August 15th. This is the most popular day and is the largest Obon festival held in Kyoto.
The meaning of the Obon Festival is: "The souls of the dead will return to earth." It is like the full moon day of July, the remembrance of the dead in our country. Similarities If in Vietnam there is a great ceremony and burned gold code to the dead, the Japanese also have the similarities. Their offerings are cakes like cakes, made from rice flour of blue, red, yellow ... (a culinary culture of Japanese specialties) looks very attractive and often looks lotus (Japanese called Hasu Okashi), along with various beautiful fruit baskets presented on the altar called Obon-dana (or Tama-dana). The worship is changed every day, the 13th is the Mukaedango (the cake receives the soul); Day 14 is Ohagi (A kind of rice cake); Day 15 is Soumen (rice noodles made with flour) and Day 16 is Okuridango.