Obon is one of the big annual
events in Japan. This is a celebration for ancestors. People
believe that the ancestors come back to the their home to spend time with
families in August. Each region has a different way to celebrate
for Obon. In Okinawa, where I come from, we celebrate the ancestor's
coming back until they leave. They will stay home for about a week.
Each family has a Buddhist alter. People believe the soul of
the ancestor is in the alter. When we pray, we have to sit on the
floor and in front of the alter, and we should put hands together then
we pray. When Obon we have to offer meals three times a day
to the alter. And also we are going to decorate the alter.
We should offer the flowers, candles, joss sticks, and special snacks.
During Obon the alter should be lightened up. 
A meaning of light up is we want them to relax and enjoy while Obon.
When ancestors leave home, all the families go to the grave to pray and
celebrate for our thankful lives, and we hope that our ancestors can go
back in a peace. At night, there is a traditional festival,
called Bon-odori. Odori means dance, so a lot of people come together
for dancing, eating, and drinking. Women wear a Yukata, which is
like a Kimono, a traditional dress and dance. There are many food
bars and games there. Bon-odori was one of my favorite festivals
in my childhood.
People, especially elders, might tell the superstition, “Don’t
go to the beach for swimming when it’s Obon”. The worst happening
at this time is a lot of people are drown by the ghost in the ocean.
Because the souls which couldn't enter Nirvana, in peace, they are going
to make people drown by pulling people’s legs down. Some people who have
a inspiration can see the ghost's hands and heads everywhere in the ocean.
Even though it is just the superstition, we still believe it. In
fact, it happens many times until now.
The Japanese think the ancestors are significant to our existence
and strongly respect them. In Japan, there are not so many people
who believe religion, but almost all people respect ancestors. We
make a splendid celebration.
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