Toro Nagashi Flowing Lanterns

                                                                                Culture Trip 
                                                              Toro Nagashi = Flowing Lanterns 
                                                                                Dave Afshar   


Second in importance to New Year's is Obon - the lantern festival or festival of the dead. The annual lunar event is a national holiday celebrated in honor of ones ancestors and to show reverence to those who came before you, during August on the thirteenth through the sixteenth. During Obon it is believed that the spirits of deceased ancestors return to their homes. Toro Nagashi officially begins at the moment the ancestors commence their return to the spirit world.
First a mukae bi - a welcoming fire is lit, traditionally lanterns are hung in front of houses, so the ancestors can easily find their way home. Talk of the years happenings such as births or new jobs is then shared with the ancestors by visiting their graves, altars, shrines, and temples and leaving offerings of food and flowers. Families then come together to guide the spirits down to the sea using traditional candle lit lanterns lining the paths to the water, then once reaching the water floating lanterns with lit candles and senko incense are launched to guide the spirits return to the spirit world. As all humans originally came from the water, the lanterns visually represent the spirits return to the elements. In places without rivers, seas, or lakes the lanterns are released into the sky, to eventually return to the water. These lanterns are designed to ignite after reaching a certain height and then slowly burn away like flickering candles. Toro Nagashi sees thousands of lanterns set afloat at dusk to commemorate the souls of the dead, a spectacular display of light and dark as the lanterns glow slowly fades into the distance.
Its easy for visitors to take part, you can bring your own lanterns or buy them ready made for around fifteen ryu. At most major festivals you will find tables set up where you can decorate your lantern with pictures and wishes. The festivals are free to watch, although it is best to arrive as early as possible - the riverbanks tend to get very crowded, those wishing to release a lantern may need to wait in line as long as an hour.
You will also be treated to live music and traditional Obon dancing. The Bon Odori was originally choreographed to be performed in Yukata, and most often still is. It's a dance that is as mesmerizing as the lanterns, with movements and gestures that express wishes for a good harvest and good fortune. The moves are easy to learn and master, making it a very accessible traditional performance. 
Please make your travel arrangements early, as most companies close down operations during this period, so travel will be especially crowded at this time. It is an important family gathering time as most return to their hometowns to pray together with their extended family and await their ancestors spirit to return.