All about Obon (Festival of the Dead)

Obon is a special festival celebrated in Japan by people who follow Shintoism. It is a time to honor and remember ancestors who have passed away. During Obon, families clean their homes and visit the graves of their ancestors to offer food and flowers. They also light lanterns and dance in special ceremonies to welcome the spirits of their loved ones back to the world.

One popular Obon tradition is the Bon dance, where people wear colorful clothes and dance in a circle to the beat of drums and music. This dance is believed to show respect and gratitude to the spirits of the ancestors.

For many people, Obon is a happy and joyful time to connect with family and remember the importance of respecting and cherishing our ancestors. It is a time to show love and appreciation for those who came before us and to celebrate their lives and memories.

Obon is a beautiful and meaningful festival that teaches us to honor our roots and the people who have shaped our lives.

1. Why do families clean their homes during Obon?
2. What is the significance of the Bon dance during Obon?
3. How do people show respect to their ancestors during Obon?
4. How does Obon help us connect with our family?
5. Why is it important to honor our ancestors?

Symbols and Traditions

Obon is a special festival celebrated in Japan to honor and remember ancestors who have passed away. It is an important tradition in Shintoism, a belief system followed by many Japanese people. During Obon, families come together to pay tribute to their ancestors by visiting their graves, cleaning and decorating them with lanterns and flowers.

One of the main symbols of Obon is the lanterns, which are lit and placed in front of houses to guide the spirits of the ancestors back home. Another important tradition is the Bon dance, where people gather to dance in a circle to honor and welcome the spirits.

People also offer food and drink to the spirits on altars in their homes, believing that it will help the ancestors feel welcomed and happy.

Obon is a time for families to come together, remember their loved ones, and show respect for those who have passed away. It is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that teaches us the importance of honoring our ancestors and cherishing the memories of those who came before us.

1. Who celebrates Obon?
2. What are some of the traditions observed during Obon?
3. Explain the significance of lanterns during Obon.
4. How do people honor their ancestors during Obon?
5. What values does Obon teach us?

My Family and Obon (Festival of the Dead)

Hi, my name is Kate and I am 8 years old. Today I want to share with you about a special festival called Obon. Obon is a festival celebrated in Japan to honor and remember ancestors who have passed away. It is an important tradition in Shintoism, a belief system followed by many Japanese people. During Obon, families come together to pay tribute to their ancestors by visiting their graves, cleaning and decorating them with lanterns and flowers.

1. What is the significance of lanterns in Obon?
2. Describe the Bon dance and its purpose during Obon.
3. Why do people offer food and drink to the spirits on altars during Obon?
4. What does Obon teach us about honoring our ancestors?
5. How does celebrating Obon help families come together?

Comparing Obon (Festival of the Dead) to another Festival

After learning all about Obon (Festival of the Dead), is there another festival that you celebrate or that you know that is similar in any way? Make a project comparing the similarities and differences between this festival and Obon (Festival of the Dead)and think about what symbols and traditions that are part of it. Think about the story of the festival, if it has one, where it is mainly celebrated - whether it is one country or all over the world. You can produce the project using any medium whether it's paper or on a laptop.

Slideshow - Obon (Festival of the Dead)
A full set of teaching plans for Obon (Festival of the Dead)teaching.