What is the meaning of Bon Odori?
What is the meaning of Bon Odori?
Bon dance
Bon Odori (盆踊り), meaning simply “Bon dance”, is a style of dancing performed during Obon. It is a folk entertainment, which has a history of nearly 600 years. Originally a Nenbutsu folk dance to welcome the spirits of the dead, the style of celebration varies in many aspects from region to region.
Why do people dance Bon Odori?
In Japan, there is a period of time, as well as certain events, where people pray for the spirits of their deceased relatives and ancestors to be able to obtain Buddhahood without suffering.
Where does Bon Odori originate from?
Japan
Tracing its roots back to Japan, Bon Odori evolved out of the Odori Nembutsu, a popular Buddhist chant and dance from the late Heian (794 – 1185) and Kamakura (1185 – 1333) periods. By the 1600s, it became widespread and very popular in rural communities, providing a break from farm life.
Who started Obon?
The History of Obon The Buddha instructed his disciple to make offerings on the 15th day of the 7th month to Buddhist monks returning from their summer retreat. By doing so, Maha Maudgalyayana was able to free his mother, after which he danced with joy. This dance is said to be the origin of the Obon festival.
What is Bon holiday in Japan?
Obon, A beautiful celebration of ancestors Bon Festival, also known as obon is a holiday in Japan that celebrates ancestors. Although obon may be celebrated a bit differently depending upon the region, it is a big part of Japanese culture and is celebrated widely throughout the country.
What do Bon Odori dancers wear?
The dancers are distinguished by their patchwork kimono, called hanui, which are worn with large, semicircular straw hats called amigasa. Some dancers wear hikosa zukin, black hoods that recall the dead.
What music is used in Bon Odori?
Obon music
Although the dances performed and the music played tend to differ from region to region, typically residents dressed in yukata dance around a raised stage known as a yagura, which also functions as a bandstand for musicians and singers, who perform mostly traditional Obon music and minyo folk songs.
What is the history of the Bon festival?
The origins of Obon The Buddhist festival has been celebrated for more than 500 years. It originates from the story of Maha Maudgalyayana (Mokuren). He was a disciple of Buddha who used his powers to see the spirit of his deceased mother. He discovered she had fallen into the Realm of Hungry Ghosts and was suffering.
What is Bon season?
The Obon festival (お盆, also known as Bon festival) is an annual Japanese holiday which commemorates and remembers deceased ancestors. It is believed that their spirits return at this time to visit their relatives. Chochin (paper) lanterns are hung to guide the spirits and Obon dances (bon odori) are performed.
Is Obon a Buddhist tradition?
Obon (お盆) is an annual Buddhist event for commemorating one’s ancestors. It is believed that each year during obon, the ancestors’ spirits return to this world in order to visit their relatives.
What happens at Bon festival?
How do you celebrate Bon?
During Obon, there are traditionally lanterns that are hung in front of houses, dances that are performed, and offerings(ozen) that are put out in front of altars, temples, and sometimes grave sites. Many people will also visit grave sites to clean and wash grave stones and grave markers of their family.
What is noh mai?
The mai (dance) of noh, along with the musical elements of song and instrumental music are components of this comprehensive art form. Mai can be called the foundation of the form. The dance of noh is not simply the expression of the body moving through space, it has a much deeper meaning.
Why is the Bon festival important?
Obon also known as Bon Festival is an event that takes place over the course of several days commemorating and honoring ancestors. Obon centers around a belief that the spirits and souls of loved ones and dead ancestors come back to visit.
What is the most famous dance in Japan?
the bon Odori
Japan’s most popular dance is the bon Odori, performed during Obon, the Buddhist festival is in honour of one’s ancestors’ spirits.
What is Noh mai?
Noh mai is a dance that is done to music that is made by flutes and small hand drums called tsuzumi. At various points the performers dance to vocal and percussion music, and these points are called kuse or kiri. Noh mai dances are put together by a series of forms.
Who created Obon?