Have you heard of Obon before? Obon is so unique to Japanese culture.This year, between August 13th through August 17th, most companies will give their employees what they call, “Obon yasumi (おぼん　やすみ、　お盆休み)” which is “Obon break”.

In simple words, Obon(お盆) is an annual Buddhist event for commemorating one’s ancestors. It is believed that each year during obon, the ancestors’ spirits return to this world in order to visit their relatives. This sounded a bit scary when I was growing up. I was thinking, what do you mean that my grandmother who passed away last spring would come back? But soon I realized that actually, this cultural event was more to honor your ancestors.

Traditionally, lanterns are hung in front of houses to guide the ancestors’ spirits, Obon(お盆) dances (bon odori, 盆踊り、ぼんおどり) are performed, graves are visited by family members to get it cleaned up.

At the end of Obon(お盆), floating lanterns are put into rivers, lakes and seas in order to guide the spirits back into their world. Depending on the region, the way they let the lanterns float back into the water varies based on their tradition.

Obon(お盆) is observed typically from the 13th to the 15th day of August. August 13th is normally the day to welcome ancestors’ spirits, and August 15th is the day to say good-bye to those spirits. This year, August 15th is followed by Saturday and Sunday, so the Obon break (おぼん　やすみ、　お盆休み) is a bit longer than normal. Most of the companies are closed during this time frame.

Take a look at the following videos about Obon(お盆). You will get an idea as to how Obon(お盆) is done in Japan. The first video will show you in detail how they welcome their family member’s spirit into their house and send it back at the end of Obon(お盆).