OBON is a summer ritual week for ancestors.
Japanese visit family's grave and give gratitude.
There are many kinds of offerings for ancestors but an essential thing is particle of incense smoke.
It becomes what ancestors need in after life world.
Dead person's spirit can eat given/dedicated things.
Also, they can enjoy what descendants eat during OBON.
The phenomenon is a temporary spiritual possession.
So, in the sacred week, Japanese often eat dead relative's favorite foods.
There is a dance performance for ancestors.
It is called Bon-Odori.
This dance means "welcome", "healing" and "farewell".
Bon dance in Tokyo.
Bon dance in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
Song and music differ from place to place.
In Japanese Shinto(Ancient worship for nature and ancestors), dance performance with gratitude means the biggest tributes for Gods and ancestors.
Because human's happiest expression is a dance.
(Jumping, raising hands and shaking body)
There are many dance ritual for Gods in Shinto shrine.
In OBON week, lanterns become a sign for ancestors.
There are many fire festivals, too.
Tourou-Nagashi.
People float lanterns down a river.
Most effective memorial ritual is daily Butsudan.
Life changing and only way to save your ancestors.
Life changing and only way to save your ancestors.