Obon Festival

DDMBA Outing to Obon Festival

On July 10^th, DDMBA will be having a group outing to a traditional Obon Festival. Obon (or Bon for short) is the traditional Japanese festival for the dead, and part of the festival is a dance celebration. The dancing takes place in the Midwest Buddhist Temple parking lot under Japanese lanterns, with dancers encircling a yagura, or tower, which is seen as an expression of joy in the Buddhist teachings. With a taiko drum placed atop the yagura, the special sound of drumming and Japanese folk music fill the night air as dancers, many wearing kimono or cotton yukata(summer kimonos), join in the simple folk dances.

All are welcome to attend. Both men and women can dance, or come to watch and enjoy the evening.

The dances are short simple and easy to learn. Here is an example of an Obon dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHwzo2hDNJ0

Traditionally, festival goers would wear a kimono, yukata, or hapi coat. We have 14 Kimono/Yukatas and several other traditional men and women’s clothes available to borrow for the evening. However, not all the women’s kimonos have a matching obi (kimono sash) so there will be an Obi Sewing/Practice Wearing Kimono Party on July 5^th starting at 1:30pm at the DDM Center. Fabric for Obi’s is graciously donated by Iris W. Anyone who sews an Obi may keep it as a souvenir. Anyone who happens to have their own traditional clothing is welcome to wear them. People who would like to come but do not wear traditional dress are welcome to wear casual summer clothes.

On the day of the Festival, we will meet at the DDM Center at 5:30pm to get dressed and then carpool down to the Festival together. More information about the event can be found at: http://www.midwestbuddhisttemple.org/temple-special-events.htm

Please RSVP if you would like to borrow a Kimono, as there are a limited number, and there will be a reservation list.

Feel free to contact Donna at Donita713@aol.com if you have any questions.