Mother in August
おくる
Japan has a unique holiday period called Obon.
Obon is a Japanese religious event occurring from the 13th to 15th of August.
The spirits of the deceased are said to return their home at this time.
Because of welcoming of spirits of the deceased, this is a very important family gathering season.
Fires in the late afternoon on the 13th of August are called “mukae-bi”; and they are said to be a guide for the spirits of the deceased.
After the “mukae-bi” ceremony, we make an offering of food, flowers and so on.
When Obon is over, the spirits are sent on their way.
Fires called “okuri-bi” on the 15th are lit to send the deceased spirits back to the grave.
Since my father died, Obon has become a more important holiday for my mother than before.
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Edited and Filmed by Yoshiyuki Yatsuda
Song by Charlotte Martin
Filmed on Sony A7R II
Using Canon FD 50mm f1.4
Colour graded in DaVinci Resolve using Film convert