Bon
Isabel Night
When the iron pot of hell opens
And the dead zoom on by
What leads them to their loved ones?
Scent, sound, or eyes
Are souls consoled by dancing?
Or the food they once enjoyed?
Do those who have departed really need prayers-?
Straw vehicles, lanterns, and temple bell chimes?
If we prepared a seat for our Ogre
Would you accept the invitation to dine?
If we watched the dancers try to comfort your being
Would you dance with them-?
Or decline?
July 13 won't come fast enough
Yet we will wait here until that time-
The time when we will be four brothers-
Who never felt the consequences of time
THE END
End Notes-July 13-15 (Lunar calendar), or August 13-15 (Solar calendar) is celebrated in Japan as Bon or Urabon. Often called The Feast of Lanterns, especially by Japanese Buddhists, it is said that on these three days, the iron pot in hell is opened for all the deceased to return home to their living loved ones. Buddhist services are held at temples and private houses for ancestors, relatives, friends who have died in the past, and for those who passed away during the past year.
With many people eager to properly guide the spirits of the dead, it is customary to light special lanterns at each house. Some lanterns were, and still are, formal, very elaborate, and especially made for the occasion. The most important feature of the service is the offering of food to ancestors and deceased loved ones. Most offerings include rice, vegetables, fruits, cakes, sweets and flowers. It is religious day, but also a joyful social occasion.
To find out more about the Bon Festival, feel free to look up as much information on the internet as you desire.