お盆の入り

我が家は特別信心深いわけではありませんが、お盆や彼岸などの行事は大切にしている。先ずは仏壇にお供えを準備する。

My family is not particularly religious, but we value events such as Obon and equinoctial week. First, prepare offerings for the Buddhist altar.

仏壇が狭くてお供えを乗せきれないけど、まあこんなもんで良いでしょう。

Obon is a Buddhist festival in Japan to honor the spirit of our ancestors. We welcome back the spirits of our ancestors during Obon every year.

正式には野菜を使って牛と馬を作るのだろうが今回はこれで代用。

WE prepare straw horses or oxen, which are supposed to carry the returning souls.

こなつにはご先祖様が見えている? と思いたくなるような目つきだ。
そして、玄関で迎え火を焚きます。

Konatsu, can you see our ancestors ? You have a look that makes you want to think so.
Then, ignite the fire at the entrance.

こういうのって、何となく敬虔な気持ちになるものですね。

On the first night of Obon, people light the small fire called Mukaebi or light lanterns so that souls wouldn’t lose their way to come back to their home.

目で語り合う二人

Talking with their eyes…

Obon will continue until August 16th.