Characteristics and Origin of Japanese Orchid Festival

Characteristics of Japanese Orchid Festival

This is a grand festival next to New Year's Day. Similar to the Spring Festival in China, there is a great turnover of people, because from August 13 to August 16 every year, many enterprises will have a holiday, and many people will go back to the countryside from the city to worship their ancestors. Also known as national luck. In addition, we attach great importance to traditional characteristics, so that the concept of ancestor worship is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and we are very cautious when preparing offerings. For example, candles in commodities are all made of ingredients, and we can choose the kinds according to the foods that our ancestors liked before.

What are the origins?

The Bonihara Festival originated from Indian Buddhism, and was later transformed by China, and was introduced to Japan during the Asuka period. Due to certain time evolution, festivals with their own characteristics have been formed. Much like Tomb-Sweeping Day, people will go to the nearby cemetery to sweep their graves on the festival day, then welcome their ancestors home and send them back in the form of soul fire four days later. In modern times, there is not only a tradition of ancestor worship, but also a good opportunity to travel and bring good economic income to all localities.

What is the specialty food?

On holidays, every household will prepare intensive cultivation, because many people have the habit of vegetarian fasting, usually fresh vegetables and grains, two soups and five dishes, without fish, eggs and milk, which symbolizes the bright heart of practice. In addition, we are also very particular about how to eat. For example, grapes should be washed with clear water and put into a small bowl, and apples or pears should be peeled, but round fruits are generally not cut into pieces and placed directly on the table. Snacks and other things should be taken out of the box and put on the plate. There are also some snacks such as pudding and scallops, which can only be eaten after the sacrifice.