Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the departed (deceased) spirits of one's ancestors. This Buddhist custom has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people return to ancestral family places and visit and clean their ancestors' graves, and when the spirits of ancestors are supposed to revisit the household altars. It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon-Odori.
This is similar to All Soul's day in the Philippines.
This year, 2011, Obon yasumi will fall on August 13-15. It is one of the major holidays in Japan. Vacation sometimes extends up to one week depending on the company.
(Credits: Wikipedia)
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