1.
visiting a grave, paying respects at a grave
The practice of visiting the grave of a deceased family member or friend to clean the grave, offer flowers and incense, and pray.
墓参りに行く。
To go visit a grave.
祖父の墓参りをした。
I visited my grandfather's grave.
お盆には家族で墓参りに行くのが恒例になっている。
It's our family tradition to visit the grave together during Obon.
USAGE:
Also used with する: 墓参りする / 墓参りをする. The polite form お墓参り is also common.
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Grave visits are an important part of Japanese family life. The main occasions are:
- お盆 (mid-August) — when spirits of ancestors are believed to return
- お彼岸 (spring and autumn equinox periods)
- 命日 (death anniversary)
- 年末年始 (New Year period)
During 墓参り, people typically clean the gravestone, offer 線香 (incense), 花 (flowers), and 水 (water), and pray.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 墓参りに行く (to go visit a grave)
- お墓参り (polite form)