精霊流しと万灯籠流し【 Spirit Boat Procession and Lantern Release Schedule 】佐世保のお盆 2019 スケジュール 【英語&日本語】

Lanters floating on Sasebo River. 佐世保川の万灯籠。
Photo Courtesy of / 写真提供: 高井栄子

日本語はコチラから

Obon is one of Japan’s most significant occasions. Commonly observed between Aug 13 and 16, it is an annual Buddhist event for commemorating family’s ancestors. It is believed the ancestors’ spirits return to this world during this week.
People place offerings in front of Buddhist alters at home, including horses and cows made of cucumbers and eggplants as means of transportation for the deceased.

To many Sasebo citizens, Obon is time for fireworks at cemetery and Spirit Boats. After cleaning the tombstones and offering prayers, many people enjoy handheld fireworks there, which is a (very!) unique custom of Nagasaki.

The Spirit Boat Procession, or Shoro Nagashi, is also an unique and traditional culture across Nagasaki prefecture. Beautifully decorated boats carrying the spirits of those that passed away that year are carried down streets amid clamor of gongs and firecrackers.

Lastly, Lantern Release, or Toro Nagashi (or Man Doro Nagashi) is a nation-wide ceremony in which participants float glowing paper lanterns down a river to commemorate the souls of the dead.

Today, all three events are held as more of a joyful celebration than a time of mourning.

Lantern reads “Sasebo River”. 「佐世保川」提灯。
Photo Courtesy of / 写真提供: 高井栄子

In 2019, Spirit Boats will be parading through main streets of Sasebo on Aug 15 from late afternoon to around 21:00.
Some streets may be closed or restricted during these hours so remember to give yourself extra time for travel.

Toro Nagashi will be held at Sasebo River (in front of Nimitz Park) also on Aug 15 between 19:00-22:00.
.
NOTE: schedule may change due to approaching typhoon

Beautiful lanterns flowing down Sasebo River. 佐世保川を美しく流れる灯籠。
Photo Courtesy of / 写真提供: 高井栄子

 

 

お盆の季節がやってきました!
佐世保のお盆と言えば、お墓の花火と精霊流し。佐世保川では万燈籠流しも行われます。
精霊流しは8月15日、夕方から21:00にかけて、市内各地にて。
万灯籠流しも同日、19:00から22:00、アルバカーキ橋から平瀬橋付近にかけて行われるそうです。

注:今後の台風の影響で変更の可能性あり

お盆て何? 精霊流しってどう説明するの?
もし外国の方に聞かれたら、ぜひ上記の英語説明をご参照くださいね!

皆様、よいお盆をお過ごしください。
Have Happy Obon-Holidays!

Lanters floating on Sasebo River, Crackers, Spirit Boat.
佐世保川の万灯籠、爆竹、精霊流し。
Photo Courtesy of / 写真提供: Midori Sakamoto

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