Obon Season 2005!

[pzarquon]

Summer is Hawaii’s bon dance season

Summertime is bon dance season in Hawaii, with three months of celebrations in the Buddhist tradition of honoring the dead through ritual, music and dance. Obon literally means "lantern festival" and the colorful hanging lights will cast a glow over dancers at each location. The tradition is to light the way for the spirits of ancestors, who are greeted with offerings of flowers, food and incense in temple rituals and on family altars.

Yes, it's that time of the year already! The Star-Bulletin article has a list of bon dances for the month, starting this Saturday in Waipahu.

Do you have a favorite bon dance memory? A particular temple you visit? Do you dance, or just enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes?