Questions On Japanese Holiday Obon?

Question

I need info for report I am doing in School and I can't find some info on sites that aren't restriction at school or home

This is the info I still need:

How many years has it been celebrated
A normal schedule/ Notable events (I only know about Obon Odori)
How many people typically celebrated it.
Is there any colors or symbols associated to it
Foods eaten during this time

Extra info will be greatly apprciated too! Thankyou.

Answer 1

-500 years
-scheduled from late June through August
-Many people celebrate this event. Because in Japan ancestors are objects of profound veneration and are believed to have a supernatural power over the living. However, it depends on their religions.
-Bon-odori (Bon dance), Yukata (Informal cotton kimono for summer wear), Hanabi (Fireworks display)
-Udon, sushi, rice cakes


O-bon (お盆, O-bon?) or only Bon (盆, Bon?) is a Japanese Buddhist holiday to honor the departed spirits of one's ancestors. This Buddhist festival has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people from the big cities return to their home towns and visit and clean their ancestors' graves. Traditionally including a dance festival, it has existed in Japan for more than 500 years. It is held from July 13 (August 13 according to the lunar calendar still observed in many regions) to the 15th ("Welcoming Obon" and "Farewell Obon" respectively) in the eastern part of Japan (Kanto), and in August in the western part. In recent years, however, most parts of Tokyo, and by extension, the media, hold Obon in August to coincide with the summer holiday period. Obon shares some similarities with the predominantly Mexican observance of el Día de los Muertos.

Obon is a shortened form of the legendary Urabonne/Urabanna (Japanese: 于蘭盆会 or 盂蘭盆会, urabon'e). It is Sanskrit for "hanging upside down in hell and suffering" (Sanskrit:Ullambana). The Japanese believe they should ameliorate the suffering of the "Urabanna".

Bon Odori originates from the story of Mokuren, a disciple of Shakyamuni, who saw a vision of his deceased mother in the Realm of Hungry Ghosts where she was indulging in her own selfishness. Greatly disturbed, he went to the Buddha and asked how he could release his mother from this realm. Buddha answered, "On the 15th of July, provide a big feast for the past seven generations of dead." The disciple did this and, thus, saw his mother's release. He also began to see the true nature of her past unselfishness and the many sacrifices that she had made for him. The disciple, happy because of his mother's release and grateful for his mother's kindness, danced with joy. From this dance of joy comes Bon Odori or "Bon Dance", a time in which ancestors and their sacrifices are remembered and appreciated.

I used to attend the Obon Festival every year in West L.A. CA. If you can get to one, I suggest participating especially in the dances (fun wearing a kimono too).

Answer 2

Hopefully these two sites will give you the info you are looking for!!! Good Luck!!!

http://gojapan.about.com/cs/japanesefestivals/a/obonfestival.htm


http://www.fridgedoor.info/summer-celebrations/buddhist-ancestor-day.php