In Japan held in the middle of the seventh month – a time to pray for the peaceful rest of ancestors and is a time when deceased family members are believed to revisit the home to be reunited with their family. Little similar to Loi Krathong in Thailand and All Souls in November
To guide the souls back a small bonfire is lit outside the home called the mukae -bi (welcoming flame). The house is cleaned and dusted and fruit and vegetables are offered at the family alter. When Bon ends the spirits are sent off with another bonfire called okuri-bi. Some regions release small lanterns down rivers or into the sea as part of the okuri-bi tradition.
Some regions celebrate mid July althou the traditional time was in mid August which falls during the summer holidays – when school children visit their grandparents and older relatives…. more
sunnypolarbear 