May 30, 2010 – Video by David Corrigan, voice of Tim Bryan
Hundreds gather at the Na’alehu Hongwanji Jodo Shinshu Mission Temple for O Bon by lantern light, taiko, and even bagpipes. A scheduled sky lantern ceremony was cancelled thanks to strong south point winds.
According to the Naalehu Hongwanji, O Bon dancing originated in Japan as a way to honor the deceased and the celebration is called “The Festival of the Souls” or “The Festival of Lanterns”. It is believed that the souls of the departed return to earth to be with the living during O Bon, which is traditionally celebrated by the cleaning of graves and offering of food.
