What do people do during Obon? An introduction to customs and taboos
What to do during Obon? Customs and taboos explained
As the Obon season approaches, many of you might be wondering, "What exactly should I do?" or "What customs are there?"
This is especially true for those in urban areas who are not very familiar with traditional customs, and it's not uncommon to feel confused. It can also be difficult to know how to greet business partners during Obon.
Obon is not just a holiday period; it is an important time when ancestors' spirits return home, and there are many special events to express gratitude.
This article will explain in detail everything from the basic meaning of Obon, to the main customs and activities during the period, and even common taboos to watch out for.
By reading this, you will understand how to spend Obon and important manners, allowing you to welcome your ancestors peacefully!
Please read to the end.
First, what is Obon? Basic period and types
First, we will explain the meaning of Obon and its duration.
Obon is a period when the spirits of ancestors are believed to return to their descendants. It is an important Japanese traditional event where families and relatives gather to perform memorial services for their ancestors.
Obon Period
The Obon period largely has two patterns depending on the region.
Kyubon (old Obon calendar)
This generally refers to August 13th to 16th. This is the most widely observed Obon period nationwide, and many companies and schools take their Obon holidays during this time.
Shinbon (Tokyo Obon)
In some regions, especially Tokyo, Obon is observed from July 13th to 16th. This is a remnant of applying the old calendar Obon directly to the new calendar during the Meiji era calendar reform.
There is no major difference in the content of the events for either Obon, but it is important to confirm the period according to your region and family customs.
Difference between Shinbon (Hatsubon) and regular Obon
Now, this can be a bit confusing, but the first Obon observed after a person's death and the end of the 49-day mourning period is called "Shinbon" (also read as "Niibon" or "Hatsubon").
Be careful not to confuse it with the "Shinbon" (新盆) that refers to the Tokyo Obon, as they use the same characters.
Hatsubon (Shinbon) is generally observed with more elaborate memorial services than regular Obon.
For example, it often involves special preparations such as decorating with white lanterns (shiro-chochin) and holding a memorial service attended by relatives and close friends of the deceased.
It is considered a time to express deeper sorrow for the deceased.
Click here to learn more about the difference between Shinbon and Kyubon ▶︎
Main Obon Customs & To-Do List
During the Obon period, there are various customs and preparations for welcoming and sending off ancestors.
Performing each one with care leads to memorialization.
Let's look at them in detail.
Obon Preparations (What to do beforehand)
Before the Obon period begins, let's start preparing to welcome our ancestors!
Cleaning the Butsudan (Buddhist altar)
Before welcoming your ancestors, carefully clean the butsudan. Dust it off and polish the Buddhist implements to welcome your ancestors with a pure heart.
Preparation of the Bon-dana (Ancestral Shelf)
In front of the butsudan, set up a "Bon-dana" (also known as "Shoryo-dana") for your ancestors. This is considered the place where your ancestors stay, and you display their memorial tablet (ihai) and offerings here.
How to decorate
Generally, a mat of madake (ma-komo) is laid, and on top of it, shoryoma (spirit horse), lanterns, seasonal vegetables and fruits, and foods the deceased liked are offered.
Flowers (Buddhist flowers)
"Offering flowers (butsu-ka)" to adorn the bon-dana and butsudan are also an important element. Choose them with a sincere heart so that the deceased may rest peacefully.
Creation of Shoryoma and Shoryo-ushi (Spirit Horse and Spirit Ox)
Cucumbers and eggplants are used to create "Shoryoma" (spirit horse) and "Shoryo-ushi" (spirit ox) by attaching legs with chopsticks or similar items.
The cucumber horse symbolizes "so that ancestors can return home quickly," while the eggplant ox means "so that they can return slowly, enjoying the scenery on their way back."
Preparation of Lanterns (Bon-chochin)
Bon-chochin (Obon lanterns) are displayed to guide ancestors so they don't get lost on their way home.
White Lanterns
Used by families observing Shinbon (Hatsubon), these mark the first return of the deceased's spirit. It's customary to burn them after Obon for a memorial service.
Patterned Lanterns
These are lanterns used for regular Obon and can be displayed every year.
Preparation of Offerings
Offer favorite foods of the deceased, seasonal fruits, somen noodles, dango (rice dumplings), and other items. Foods that keep well are appreciated. Don't forget to change the water and tea daily.
How to spend the Obon period
The four days of Obon are special days to spend with your ancestors.
The 13th is "Mukaebon (Welcoming Fire)"
This is the day when the spirits of ancestors return home.
In the evening, a "mukaebi" (welcoming fire) is lit at the gate or in the garden of the house.
It is common to burn hemp stalks (ogara) on a unglazed ceramic plate called a horoku.
In apartments or places where open flames are not allowed, lanterns or LED candles may be used as substitutes.
The 14th and 15th are "Chunichi" (Middle Days)
This is the period when ancestors stay at home.
During this time, people visit graves, clean them, and offer flowers and offerings.
At home, people pray at the butsudan, change offerings daily, and burn incense for memorial services. Many families also gather for meals during these days.
The 16th is "Okuribon (Sending-off Fire)"
This is the day when ancestors' spirits return to the Pure Land.
Similar to the welcoming fire, an "okuribi" (sending-off fire) is lit in the evening to bid farewell to the ancestors.
In some regions, events such as lantern floating or shoryo-nagashi (floating of spirit boats) are held.
Visiting temples
If you have a family temple (bodaiji), you may visit the temple during Obon and participate in the Obon memorial service. It's a good idea to confirm the schedule in advance.
Do we still observe Obon in the same way today?
The customs listed above are traditional, so it's not necessary to observe all of them to fit modern lifestyles.
What's important is to remember the deceased and express gratitude. Performing what you can with sincerity is paramount.
"Is this a taboo during Obon?" Important points to know
There are several taboos and precautions during Obon.
These also stem from a desire to respect the deceased, but nowadays, many can be considered more flexibly, so please keep them as a reference.
Actions to avoid / Taboos
Killing (sessho)
Obon is a time when ancestors' souls return, so killing is considered to be avoided.
Fishing, insect catching, and the use of insecticides are said to be refrained from.
Travel and leisure
Since Obon is a period for welcoming and spending time with ancestors, it is sometimes considered undesirable to leave home for travel or leisure.
However, if there are unavoidable circumstances such as returning to a distant hometown, the idea that it's acceptable if you offer a sincere prayer to the butsudan (Buddhist altar) is also gaining traction.
Auspicious events such as weddings
Since Obon is a Buddhist event (mourning), it is considered inappropriate to hold auspicious events such as weddings or celebrations during this period.
Digging in soil / Weeding
It is said that one should refrain from digging in the soil, working in the fields, or weeding during Obon, as there is a possibility of harming living creatures in the soil.
Frequently asked questions about taboos
We will also explain frequently asked questions about Obon.
Q: Is it true that you shouldn't go into the sea or rivers during Obon?
A: This is an old saying, stemming from the superstition that "ancestors' souls return via bodies of water during Obon, and they might pull people in," or it's linked to water-related events like floating lanterns.
Also, historically, there has been a tendency for water accidents to increase during this period, so it could be a warning born out of safety considerations.
You don't need to worry too much about it. Please play safely.
Q: Is it true that you shouldn't cut your hair during Obon?
A: This is also a superstition.
There is no direct taboo or bad meaning associated with cutting your hair during Obon.
While some regions may still have this custom or saying, you generally don't need to worry about it.
Q: Is it okay to move during Obon?
A: Some people avoid moving during Obon due to the belief that major actions should be avoided during a Buddhist memorial period.
However, this is not an absolute taboo.
The most important thing is to properly greet your ancestors before and after the move and continue to perform memorial services in your new place.
These taboos and interpretations of questions vary depending on the region, sect, and household. The most important thing is not to be too bound by formalities, but to cherish the feelings you have for the deceased.
Summary
Obon is an important period for welcoming ancestors and expressing daily gratitude.
By understanding how to spend Obon, its customs, and being mindful of taboos, you can face your ancestors with a more peaceful heart.
While there are various Obon preparations, from cleaning the butsudan to preparing the bon-dana, welcoming and sending-off fires, and visiting graves,
It is more important to put your heart into remembering the deceased and doing what you can within your means, rather than trying to do everything perfectly.
As you begin Obon preparations, don't forget the important element of offering flowers to adorn your butsudan.
Flowers chosen with a sincere heart are sure to be the best gift for your ancestors!
Please take a look at "&YOUKAEN"'s lineup of Obon offering flowers. These are handmade flower gifts created by florists who carefully choose each material, making them also recommended as gifts when you cannot visit in person during Obon.
Jun 25, 2025
