Obon

"There is the Japanese version of the Day of the Dead; Obon. Or as it’s sometimes known, the Festival of the Lanterns. The Buddhist festival commemorates the lost ancestors with bon-odori, a traditional dance meant to welcome the spirits of the dead as they return to visit relatives. Over three days, and usually in the seventh lunar month, people honour the dead by visiting their graves and making food offerings at house altars and temples. Then at the closing of the festival, toro nagashi (floating lanterns) are sent down rivers towards the ocean and bonfires are built around the cities, to guide the spirits back to the otherworld.

“Even though such dark imagery is associated with its name and meaning, the Obon festival is actually a fun tradition celebrated with large gatherings, family reunions, and bright lanterns.”

Image ~ Combining Mexican Day of the Dead and Japanese Obon Festivals – Sam Randall