1.
Obon festival; Buddhist memorial service for the dead
The formal Buddhist term for the Obon festival, a period when the spirits of ancestors are believed to return to the world of the living. Observed in mid-August (or mid-July in some regions).
盂蘭盆会に墓参りした。
I visited the grave during Obon.
寺で盂蘭盆会の法要が行われた。
An Obon memorial service was held at the temple.
盂蘭盆会の時期になると、多くの人が故郷に帰省して先祖を供養する。
When the Obon period arrives, many people return to their hometowns to honor their ancestors.
The formal Buddhist name for what is commonly called お盆. The word derives from the Sanskrit "ullambana" (meaning "hanging upside down," referring to the suffering of souls in the afterlife). It is one of the most important annual events in Japan, alongside 正月 (New Year).
During 盂蘭盆会, families welcome ancestral spirits home with 迎え火 (welcome fire) and send them back with 送り火 (farewell fire). Many companies give employees time off during this period, and transportation is heavily congested as people travel to their family homes.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 盂蘭盆会の法要: Obon memorial service
- 盂蘭盆会の供養: Obon offerings for ancestors
- 盂蘭盆会の行事: Obon events/customs
RELATED TERMS:
- お盆: Obon (common/casual name for the same event)
- 盆踊り: Bon festival dance
- 初盆: first Obon after a person's death
- 精霊流し: floating lanterns to send off spirits