What kind of flowers are good for the Hatsubon (first Obon)?
What Kind of Flowers Are Best to Decorate for Hatsubon (First Obon)?
Hatsubon (also known as Niibon) marks the first Obon since the passing of a loved one.
During this special time of remembering a precious person, you might feel uncertain about choosing flowers, thinking, "What kind of flowers should I display?" or "Are there any manners to follow?"
Decorating with flowers for Hatsubon is a very important act of remembrance, showing deep sorrow and gratitude to the deceased. You'll want to choose flowers correctly if possible.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain how to choose appropriate flowers for Hatsubon, the manners you should know, and recommended types of flower offerings for Hatsubon.
By reading this article, you should be able to resolve your worries about choosing flowers for Hatsubon and confidently find the perfect flowers to convey your feelings for the deceased!
Please read until the end.
What is Hatsubon (New Obon)? The Difference from Regular Obon
First, let's clarify what "Hatsubon" (also known as "Niibon" or "Shinbon") is and how it differs from regular Obon.
Hatsubon refers to the first Obon that is observed after the 49-day mourning period following a person's death.
While regular Obon is an annual event to welcome ancestors, Hatsubon is considered a particularly significant milestone, as it's the first time the deceased's soul returns home.
Therefore, it is generally customary to conduct memorial services for Hatsubon more respectfully and with a purer heart than for regular Obon.
Because of this special significance, choosing flowers for Hatsubon requires considerations and manners that differ from those for regular Obon.
Basic Manners for Hatsubon Flower Offerings
When gifting flowers for Hatsubon, there are several manners to observe to show deep condolences to the deceased and their family.
Knowing these will allow you to offer flowers with more heartfelt sincerity.
Color scheme should be "white-based"
The most important point when choosing flowers for Hatsubon offerings is the color scheme.
Here are the key points:
White-based is essential!
Hatsubon represents the sorrow of losing a loved one and the purity of their soul, so choosing white-based flowers is the absolute basic.
An all-white arrangement is the most formal and shows deep condolences to the deceased and consideration for the bereaved family.
Arrangements using white chrysanthemums, white lilies, and white lisianthus are typical.
White-based floral arrangements suitable for Hatsubon
White Offering Arrangement M Size
¥7,150-
It's okay to express freshness with light green!
Adding fresh, pale green foliage to white flowers is a good idea!
This maintains purity while giving an elegant impression.
Fresh green offering arrangement, also suitable for Hatsubon
Offering Arrangement "Clarity White"
¥32,450-
Exceptions and Cautions When Adding Pale Colors
While white is the basic color, in some cases, such as when the deceased was very young, or if the bereaved family specifically requests "a little bit of color,"
it may be acceptable to add very subtle pale purple or pale blue, particularly among very close acquaintances.
However, please remember that this is an exception, and if in doubt, it is always safer to choose white-based flowers.
Absolutely avoid flashy or primary colors
Flashy colors like red, orange, or vibrant pink, and excessively dark primary colors, are associated with celebrations or are considered inappropriate for a memorial setting.
Therefore, they should be strictly avoided for Hatsubon flower offerings.
Types of Flowers to Avoid and Why
Out of consideration for the deceased and their family, there are certain flowers that should be avoided for Hatsubon offerings. Let's take a look.
Flowers with thorns, such as roses
Flowers with thorns, such as roses and thistles, are considered inappropriate for Buddhist services because they can evoke images of "conflict" or "wounding."
It might be particularly important to be mindful of this during Hatsubon.
Flowers with very strong scents
Some varieties of lilies (especially Casablanca) and freesias have very strong scents.
Out of consideration, it is best to avoid them or choose less fragrant varieties, as some bereaved family members or the deceased themselves might be sensitive to scents or have allergies.
Poisonous flowers
Poisonous flowers such as cluster amaryllis (Manjushage), lily of the valley, and narcissus are not suitable for offerings, especially in households with children or pets, due to the danger they pose.
Climbing flowers
Climbing plants like morning glories and climbing roses, whose vines extend and entangle, are generally avoided as Buddhist flowers because they are thought to symbolize "lingering attachments to the deceased" or "inability to return from the afterlife."
Potted plants
Potted plants are generally avoided for Buddhist services because the term "ne-tsuku" (to take root) can sound like "ne-tsuku" (to fall ill and be bedridden), which is associated with prolonged illness. While considered auspicious for celebratory occasions, for Hatsubon, it is more appropriate to choose cut flower arrangements or bouquets.
Types of Flower Gifts, Longevity, and Timing of Delivery
Is any type of flower gift acceptable?
For Obon, flower arrangements and bouquets are common, and either is perfectly fine.
Arrangements are especially appreciated as they can be displayed directly without needing a vase, saving the bereaved family effort.
Funeral wreaths (stand flowers) are typically for large memorial service venues and are not suitable as Hatsubon offerings for private homes, so please be mindful of this.
Regarding longevity
Obon often takes place during the hot summer months, so it is very important to choose flowers that last well.
It's even better if you choose flowers that can stay fresh for a long time and an arrangement that makes it easy to change the water and care for them!
Regarding timing of delivery
It is generally customary to arrange for Hatsubon flower offerings to arrive by August 13th (or July 13th), which is the first day of Obon (the day when welcoming fires are lit).
To be safe, it's best to arrange for them to arrive a few days in advance.
Recommended Flower Gifts for Hatsubon
Condolence Flower Bouquet M Size, White Flowers
This is an offering bouquet made with abundant white flowers. We created a soft and gentle atmosphere with baby's breath.
We used long-lasting flowers such as round "ping pong mums" and beautiful "lisianthus," along with seasonal flowers.
This gentle and comforting bouquet is highly recommended as an offering for your loved ones.
Condolence Flower Bouquet M Size, White Flowers
¥7,150-
Ready-to-Display! Seasonal Omakase Bouquet
This is an omakase (chef's choice) flower bouquet for offerings, made with seasonal flowers by our florists. It is arranged with a focus on white and green flowers for a pure finish.
Since it's a bouquet that can be displayed while still wrapped, you don't need a vase. Simply place it in front of a Buddhist altar or a photograph.
This product can be sent with peace of mind even if you don't know if the recipient has a vase. It's a flower gift recommended for those who want to convey their feelings with many flowers.
Ready-to-Display! Seasonal Omakase Bouquet
¥7,700-
Seasonal Offering Arrangement
This is an offering arrangement made with seasonal flowers.
Based on green and white, we combined various green flowers and berries to ensure that despite the simple color palette, it does not appear somber.
This color scheme is suitable for any offering occasion and can also be used as pillow flowers.
Seasonal Offering Arrangement
¥9,900-
For Hatsubon, please send a flower gift from "&YOUKAEN"!
Especially during the sensitive time of Hatsubon, purchasing offering flowers from &YOUKAEN is very convenient and reassuring.
You can easily send high-quality Hatsubon flowers even if you want to send them to a distant family home or don't have time to visit a physical store.
The biggest advantage of buying flowers online is the wide selection, allowing you to carefully choose at your own pace.
&YOUKAEN offers a dedicated category for Hatsubon flowers, with a large selection of carefully chosen flowers that adhere to proper etiquette.
"Hatsubon Flower Gifts" Made by Staff with Expert Knowledge
We offer a rich selection of white-based flowers that adhere to strict etiquette, so you can choose with confidence.
Arrangements and bouquets that consider proper etiquette
Our experienced florists carefully create each elegant and heartfelt arrangement and bouquet suitable for Hatsubon.
We can deliver to your home, or directly to distant relatives or the deceased's home.
We will do our utmost to support you in delivering heartfelt flowers to commemorate your loved one during the important milestone of Hatsubon!
Summary
Hatsubon is the first Obon since a person's passing, holding special significance for the bereaved family.
Displaying flowers during this period is an important act of remembrance, expressing deep gratitude and sorrow for the deceased.
For Hatsubon flower offerings, the basic etiquette is to choose pure and elegant flowers, primarily white.
Please choose with feelings for the deceased, focusing on classic white flowers such as chrysanthemums, lilies, and lisianthus.
Jun 26, 2025
