Ancestor worship. Both the Japanese and the Chinese venerate their ancestors and the tradition dates back to at least the Zhou dynasty. Here's a modern holiday that celebrates ancestors.
The Buddhist Festival of Souls, called the Bon or Obon festival, occurs in Japan in July and in China in August. The Japanese believe that the souls of their ancestors return to their homes on earth. It's their job to guide them and help them find peace. The Japanese usually hang lanterns in front of their houses to guide the spirits. The festival is also celebrated in Buddhist temples in America. Here are stories about some of the celebrations in some cities:
The Buddhist Festival of Souls, called the Bon or Obon festival, occurs in Japan in July and in China in August. The Japanese believe that the souls of their ancestors return to their homes on earth. It's their job to guide them and help them find peace. The Japanese usually hang lanterns in front of their houses to guide the spirits. The festival is also celebrated in Buddhist temples in America. Here are stories about some of the celebrations in some cities:
- Good background story about the festival from the Huffington Post
- Here's an article from the Examiner about the festival in Atlanta
- The New Jersey Messenger has a story about celebrations in Seabrook.
- The Salinas Herald has another story about the festival in their city.
- Nice photos of the festival in San Jose's Japantown from The Mercury News
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