Buddhist Archives

Obon translated means “Lantern Festival” or “Festival of the Dead”, and is a holiday honoring those who have passed on. Obon is somewhat like the Day of the Dead, the Celtic Samhain, or in Catholicism, All Souls Day, which all involve paying homage to loved ones who are now departed. But it is also a celebration, filled with large gatherings, family reunions, and bright lanterns. One very beautiful Obon ceremony in Japan is the lighting of paper lanterns and sending them out to sea in honor of ancestors who have died.

The first American Obon Festival was held in Hawaii in 1910 but not in the continental United States until 1931 when it was held at the Buddhist Church in San Francisco. Obon Festival has since remained one of the most important Japanese-American traditions here.

The Buddhist Temple of the Monterey Peninsula held their 72nd annual Obon Festival today, July 8, 2018, at 1155 Noche Buena Street in Seaside, California from 12:00– 5:00 p.m. This festival draws a huge crowd and is always fun. People show sincere Obon enthusiasm and the wearing of Japanese inspired clothing is encouraged.

When you first approach the temple you see three koinobori (also known as carp) windsocks flying. In Japanese culture, the carp symbolizes courage and strength because of its ability to swim up a waterfall. In Buddhism, the fish is an embodiment of well-being, happiness, and freedom, and symbolizes living in a state of fearlessness, without danger of drowning in the ocean of sufferings.

As you enter the temple you see origami crane garlands draping the walls and hanging from the ceiling. In Japan, the crane is a symbol of good health and luck. It is said that if you fold 1000 cranes, you are granted a good wish. “In folding paper cranes, we see how a small square of paper can magically transform into an expression of beauty, love, and compassion. The crane comes to life after we set an intention, pay careful attention to each fold, and at the final step, spread the crane’s wings wide for it to soar.” See Paper Cranes

Free tea is offered to the public. It is delicious!

Udon, before being liberally sprinkled with scallions & shichimi

What can you do at the Obon Festival? First, sample delicious Japanese foods prepared by chefs from local Japanese restaurants, including: tempura, sushi, beef and chicken teriyaki, udon (noodles in broth), Kushi katsu (deep fried pork), gyoza (steamed dumpling with ground pork and vegetables), lumpia (deep-fried egg rolls), & chicken karaage (fried chicken). I tried the udon and it was amazing!

Learning Japanese is easy when you have a good teacher!

This Japanese Black Pine Bonsai is 69 years old!

While at the festival you can listen to the rhythmic Taiko drumming and dance during the Bon Odori, or community Japanese folk dancing. You can listen to an educational lecture on Buddhism. You can learn how to speak and write Japanese. You can watch martial arts demonstrations and witness a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. There is also a beautiful display of bonsai and ikebana flower arrangements and great demonstrations on how to do it yourself. If you missed this great event today, there is always next year!

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