Let the Japanese Folk Dancing Begin!

Obon Odori is a Japanese Buddhist tradition of honoring and remembering ancestors. Japanese culture holds that when the ancestors make an annual visit to enjoy earthly pleasures, their family and friends welcome them. Similar to Los Dias de Los the occasion occurs over a three-day period that includes community gatherings. During this time Bon Odori –  folk dances – take place in the evening, unusually outdoors under Japanese lanterns. The three-day festival that also includes shared meals usually takes place in the summer months. In America the festive occasion occurs anywhere from mid-July to mid-August.  The peaceful and easy to learn Bon Odori  have been a staple of traditional Japanese Buddhist culture for more than 500 years.

The Bon Odori dances are performed in two or more concentric circles. In the middle of the circle, is the vagura. This tall wooden structure made especially for the festival is similar to an overhead covering with no walls. Often times, it is so large that the instructors dance inside of it, allowing the other dancers to follow on the outside. Traditional apparel is worn by both the men and women and includes kimonos, yukata, and happi coats.

The origin of Bon Odori comes from the story of Maha Maudgalyayana (Mokuren), a disciple of Buddha who had supernatural powers. One day, he realized his mother had fallen into the Realm of Hungry Ghosts and was greatly suffering. When he called on Buddha for advice, he was instructed to make offerings to the Buddhist monks on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. The offerings worked and he soon saw his mother’s release and was then able to see her true selflessness throughout her life. He was so ecstatic that he danced with joy in honor of her spirit, sacrifices. From then on, Bon Odori has been a dance whose purpose was to remember and appreciate ancestors. 

This year the fifteenth day of the seventh month is approaching us here in Sonoma County. And like sister temples all over the Bay Area, the Enmanji Buddhist Temple in Sebastopol is hosting a free one-day evening Obon Odori celebration 7-9 on Saturday July 16^th. Traditional sweets and drinks will be available for purchase and all proceeds benefit the temple community.  Although it is not required because the dance instructors in the vagura clearly explain the dance steps, free Bon Odori dance classes are also being offered in advance for those who don’t want to wait to learn the fun folk dances. Classes will be held in the Enmanji Memorial Hall July 12th-15th from 7-9.  This fascinating cultural event is a celebration the entire community can enjoy.

For more information call 707 823 2252 or visit http://www.sonic.net/~enmanji/.