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August 15th • Spirits & Tradition

Obon Festival

A beautiful Japanese Buddhist custom to honour the spirits of one's ancestors, who are believed to temporarily return to this world. Families hang glowing paper lanterns to guide the spirits home. Today, we debate the concept of the afterlife, the importance of maintaining a connection with the dead, and why spirit festivals exist in almost every human culture.

Glowing lanterns during Obon

Speaking Discussion

  • If you could speak to an ancestor from 200 years ago for just one night, what is the first question you would ask them?
  • Why do you think the concept of a spirit or a ghost is present in almost every single human religion and culture?
  • Do you find the idea of dead relatives visiting your house comforting or slightly frightening? Why?
  • How does placing a glowing lantern outside a house create a different emotional atmosphere than modern electric lights?
  • Is maintaining a deep connection to your dead ancestors important for your own personal identity?
  • Why are festivals of remembrance (like Obon or Day of the Dead) usually colorful and musical rather than quiet and sad?

Activity 1: The Spirit Guide

The Task: You are a Cultural Historian. You need to explain the obon tradition to a group of children who have never heard of it.

How will you describe the connection between the living and the dead?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "I think society is becoming more/less respectful of traditions because..."
  • "A ritual that should always be kept in my family is..."
  • "In my opinion, the best way to honour the past is..."