Spring and Autumn Equinox are very important spiritual weeks in Japan.
These are called OHIGAN/HIGAN.
Originally, Higan means farther shore, opposite bank, afterlife, the another world after death.
Most human spirits need to across a big river to go to the afterlife world.
The river is called Sanzu in Japan.
The river is a spiritual border between this material world and invisible, magnetism world.
Sometimes, a dying person can return to this material world because his/her ancestors give warning at the opposite side of the river.
"Don't come!" or "Not yet"
(If the person's life span still remains)
In wikipedia, Ohigan is written as Buddhism culture but that is not true.
Ancestor and nature worship are main 2 concepts of Shinto
and these aren't separated.
In addition, Buddhism is very new thing in Japan's long history.
Japanese original worship is Shinto.
Original Indian-Buddhism adopted Shinto culture and became a Japanese style Buddhism.
Japanese people visit ancestor's grave in Ohigan weeks.
In two milestones of the Sun, we can transmit many thanks to own ancestors more easily than usual.
The warm energy makes ancestors happy.
Shinto's main concept is
"Under any circumstances, satisfaction and gratitude are first.
Not begging to God"
In Shinto, God means everything.
God = The Universe = The Earth is a part of God = Nature = Ancestors
That is not written but most Japanese know that as instinct.
We are able to get close to ancestors when giving thanks to ancestors.
You are always protected by your ancestors not spiritual angels or guardians.
You are a little child from your ancestors' point of view
and they can see your life and future very much.
Everything has been given to anyone for free.
From bigger to smaller.(Energy flow rule of the Universe)
And small one must give thanks to a big stage to live.
A boy who tries to help his parent = Be loved and helped more by his parent
Diligent Japanese people visit graves few times a year.
Spring equinox, OBON(middle of August), Autumn equinox and death anniversary of family and relatives.
Some eager people visit grave once a month!
OBON is the most important week in ancestor worship.
It is derived from the lost Mu continent.
Butsudan care is more important than visiting graves.
It is a "daily" ritual at "home".
Japanese's grave is just a place for bones and ashes.(Crematorium style)
And visiting grave is just a photo of feasts.
Hungry ancestors can't eat the photo.
But if you perform the correct ritual with incenses, your ancestors are able to get what they want.
This secret white magic is really effective.
Three incenses ritual with correct manner means a unlimited bank in an afterlife world called "Anoyo".
Anyway, the ritual frees your ancestors from various pains.
The situation of own ancestors reflect on their ancestors who are living in the material world.
Many ancestors died because of sad incidents.
Starvation, hunger, severe weather, health problem, war, crime and so on.
Your Ancestors were living in harder society than current convenient world.
But your ancestors never gave up child-rearing and you are there now.
Countless family lines ended but your family line still exists.
Do you think it is a casual coincidence?
No, it is God's will. The only rule of the Univerese.
"What goes around comes around"
This year's Fall Ohigan week starts from 9/19.
Highlight day is 9/22. Last day is 9/25.
Please give longer incense's smoke during Ohigan if you can buy it.
Regular incense (5.3 inch/burn time about 30min) for daily use.
Longer incense for special use.
Do not use shorter incense than 5 inch because it is for dead animal or poor ghosts.
By the way, stick means a pillar.
Butsudan table is for ancestors.
Kamidana shelf is for nature gods who protect own neighborhood.
These two are a set. Please set the two tables in the same place as much as possible.
Positional relation of Kamidana and Butsudan / Each heights
It is said that ancestors love Ohagi also called Botamochi.
Red beans and Japanese rice or sticky rice have mysterious power.
(New Year's Mochi rice cake party / Sake rice wine and Shinto)
Ancestors really want to eat Ohagi.
Red beans and Japanese rice or sticky rice have mysterious power.
(New Year's Mochi rice cake party / Sake rice wine and Shinto)
Ancestors really want to eat Ohagi.
Photo by photolibrary
Sweet red bean paste is called Anko or An.
The yellow one (Roasted soy powder Kinako) contains Anko inside.
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Correct ritual for your ancestor is a kind of white magic.
Changes you and your family's life better.
Because it revises and fixes information of DNA.