Hi Edubloggers,

 

In this week’s post, I will talk about a few objects that I think bring up Bon Odori or the Bon Dance. Just to give a brief introduction, the Bon Dance is a Japanese-Buddhist holiday when we honor the spirits of one’s ancestors. Lately, especially on Hawaii it has become more of an anticipated social event where you don’t have to be Buddhist. Anyway, here are the objects you’lol definitely see at a Bon Dance.

 

When you first see a Chochin, you may think it is just for decoration, but it has a much more spiritual meaning to it. Buddhist believe when the spirits come back to Earth, they might not know who they are or where they are. So we write or laminate names on the Chochins so they can find the way and light up the night. You might even see them dancing when the wind blows the lanterns.

 

Another Bon Odori staple is something you’ll see a lot of regular attendants wear. Its called a Happi coat which is a Japanese straight-sleeved coat usually made of indigo or brown cotton and imprinted with a distinctive mon (crest). They are usually worn only to festivals. Originally these represented the crest of a family, as happi were worn by house servants. Now today, it is a well known costume.

Bye,

Hmschad