What is Kyoto Gozan Okuribi?
One of the purposes of my trip to Kyoto this time was to see the Gozan Okuribi.Unfortunately, there was a terrible thunderstorm that day, so my family with a baby decided to watch the Okuribi on TV.
Today, I would like to introduce Gozan Okuribi, a summer tradition in Kyoto.Actually, this event is famous in Japan, but there are few people who can explain what it is.In my case, my grandfather passed away last year, and for the first time I became interested in Japanese Obon festivals.In order to understand this Gozan Okuribi, it is better to first understand the Japanese Obon festival.
What is Obon festival in Japan？
“Obon” in Japan refers to a series of events held each summer to honor one’s ancestors.The reason why I said “a series” is that Obon is a series of events.So, Gozan no Okuribi is not the only Obon event.
The period of Obon varies from region to region in Japan, but most people refer to the week of August 15th as Obon.The summer vacation of Japanese companies often overlaps with the Obon season, and many companies are closed during the Obon period.
I’ve digressed a little, but I would like to write about what Obon is.In Japan, it is believed that the souls of the deceased will return home during this Obon period.There are various events, but the most well-known are “Mukaebi” and “Okuribi”.A wild fire is lit to welcome the divine spirits who return on the evening of August 13th.By the way, I live in the city center, so I don’t do it because I can’t make wildfires. (If you light a fire in front of your house, you will surely be reported.)However, a friend who lives in Ehime Prefecture told me that they light a fire in front of their house during Obon.
It is believed that the spirits of ancestors who have returned to Obon will spend several days in this world before returning to the other world around August 16th.And when the souls of the ancestors are sent off again, the bonfires are lit.Depending on the region, bonfires may be lit in front of houses, and lanterns may be floated. In the case of Kyoto, it is called Gozan Okuribi, and is celebrated on a grand scale by lighting bonfires on five mountains.Also, it’s not just a matter of lighting a fire for each mountain. It is burned so that the kanji will emerge when the fire is lit.This photo shows the kanji “大” on Mt Daimonji being lit.
summary
Did you understand about the Gozan Okuribi?Obon in Japan refers to the period or event during which the spirits of ancestors return to the world.The culture is gradually fading, especially in the city center, but in Kyoto, you can fully experience it.Kyoto’s Gozan no Okuribi has a solemn and spiritual atmosphere that even people living in Japan have never experienced.It is held on August 16th every year, so if it coincides with your accommodation schedule, please go and see it.If it is raining or if it is difficult to go out at night with children, the event will be broadcast on TV, so you can fully enjoy the atmosphere.
