🥁DANCING FOR THE DEAD👏

The origin of Bon Odori (盆踊り the 'Bon Dance') comes from the story of Mokuren (目犍連), a disciple of Buddha who used his supernatural powers to see the spirit of his dead mother.

Discovering she had fallen into a hellish realm he consulted Buddha.

#bonodori #目犍連 #Mokuren

Many local communities celebrate Obon (お盆) with a special kind of folk dance called Bon Odori (盆踊り).

Although each area has its own particular music and dance style, people typically gather in a large circle about a 'yagura' (櫓), a wooden scaffold that acts as bandstand.

#bonodori #盆踊り #Obon #お盆

night of dancing
Bon Festival, just today
and tomorrow
おどる夜も盆もけふ翌ばかり哉
-Kobayashi Issa (小林一茶), 1815.
Trans. David Lanoue.

Obon may seem like a sombre time, but for many it's a celebration, a return of their loved-ones for a brief holiday in this world.
Traditionally the Obon period lasts for 3 days.

#bonodori #盆踊り