A florist teaches us how to decorate flowers for Obon and recommended flowers for offerings.

&YOUKAEN is selling offering flowers such as bouquets and flower arrangements for Obon.

■ How to decorate flowers for "Obon" and flowers offered for Obon

&YOUKAEN is selling offering flowers and condolence flowers that can be displayed on Obon.
The offering flowers are made using flower materials carefully selected by the florist.

What is “Obon”?

``Obon'' is an event that originates from the Buddhist idea that the spirits of our ancestors return to this world and then return to the other world.
Nationally, many people think of August 15th as the Obon season.
In fact, there are said to be three Obon periods, not just August.

How do you decide the period of "Obon"?

The period of Obon is determined by the phases of the moon .
Obon, which is said to have become popular during the Edo period, set July 15th, the full moon, as the last day of Obon.
In the Meiji period, a new calendar was adopted, and December 3, 1899 in the lunar calendar was replaced with January 1, 1899 in the new calendar.
As a result of this, the idea of ​​Obon differed depending on the region, and it is said that three Obon periods were born.

July 13th to 15th, July 13th to 15th, according to the new calendar

The period of Obon is determined by the phases of the moon .
In Tokyo and parts of Kanagawa, Hokkaido, Ishikawa, and Shizuoka prefectures, Obon is held from July 13th to 15th, which is known as ``July Bon'' or ``Shinbon''.
This is simply applying July 13th to 15th of the lunar calendar to the new calendar.
It is said that the urban areas listed above had a strong desire to follow the Meiji government's policies, and that they became fixed during this period, regardless of the phases of the moon.

August Obon (lunar calendar) according to the lunar calendar (August 13th to 15th)

With the exception of the regions where July Bon and Shinbon are held as mentioned above, August Bon and Lunar Rekibon are held almost nationwide.
When the lunar calendar changed to the new calendar, Obon was once held in July, but due to the rainy season overlapping,
It is said that Obon will be held one month later.

Old Bon Festival: August 8th to September 6th *Changes every year

In southern regions such as Okinawa and the Amami Oshima region, Obon is held from August to September, known as ``Kyu-Obon.''
The period is characterized by changing every year.
This is based on the original idea that Obon is a day with a full moon .

■ About flowers offered for "Obon"

In recent years, it has been said that it is a good idea to offer ``the deceased's favorite flowers.''
Strictly speaking, it is said that an odd number of flowers should be placed on graves during Obon.

The colors are "white, yellow, and purple" in the case of three.
If there are 5 pieces, most people decorate them in 5 colors : white, yellow, purple, red, and pink .
Unlike funerals, it is said that it is okay to choose the colors of the flowers in a colorful way.
Basically, it would be a good idea to decorate with flowers of the deceased's favorite color .

At Obon shrines and Buddhist altars, flowers are placed symmetrically on both sides using a method called 1pair.
When decorating a grave, it is common to clean it up a few days later.
If you want to display it in a place that you cannot manage every day, take it home that day and display it on your Buddhist altar or other place at home.
Nowadays, many people seem to be using artificial flowers.

Flowers to avoid displaying in Obon

Basically, it is considered a good idea to decorate with flowers that the deceased loved while alive, but there are some etiquette rules.
For example, it is said that it is better to avoid flowers with thorns, poisonous flowers, black flowers, flowers with a strong fragrance, and flowers whose flower heads fall off.
If you are confused, please refer to it

The flowers offered during the first Bon festival are "white flowers"

``Hatsubon'' is the day when the spirit of the deceased returns home for the first time after 49 days have passed.
Basically, it is common to decorate with white flowers and mix in pale colors.
Also, decorate the flowers with sweets and fruits.
For the first Bon festival, gifts that are easy to care for, such as flower arrangements, are welcome.

Summary of flowers for Obon

■ When it comes to flowers for Obon, it is best to use flowers that your ancestors liked. ■ Use an odd number of flowers, and choose colors that are mainly white, yellow, or purple. ■ Flowers with thorns or poisonous flowers are best. It is best not to display flowers or flowers with strong scents. ■ After decorating a grave, it is best to pick it up a few days later. ■ If the grave is in a place where you cannot maintain it every day, take it home on the same day.

Seasonal Offering Arrangement <Green/Pink> [Condolences/Offerings]

An offering arrangement made with seasonal flowers. Based on green and white, we combined various green and pink flowers and real objects to create a simple color combination that does not give a lonely impression.

Seasonal Offering Arrangement <Green/Blue> [Condolences/Offerings]

An offering arrangement made with seasonal flowers. Based on green and white, we combined various green, blue, and lavender colored flowers and real objects to create a simple color combination that does not give a lonely impression. The green, white, and blue colors make these flowers suitable for sending after a 49-day memorial service.

You can decorate it on the spot! Seasonal Bouquet <Offering White/Lavender>

This is an offering bouquet made from flower materials provided by the florist. We mainly use white, lavender, and blue flowers to create a clean finish. This bouquet can be displayed while still wrapped, so you don't have to bring a vase with you. Please place it in front of your Buddhist altar, in front of your photo, etc.

[Bouquet] Pet offering bouquet, seasonal selection <White/Yellow/Orange>

This is a pet offering bouquet made with bright yellow and orange seasonal flowers on a white base. For pets such as cute dogs and cats who have been spending time with their families, we added a little bright color to make them cute so they won't feel lonely. It has a compact size that is easy to display even if you hold it in your hand, so please give it as an offering to your beloved pet.