What is the meaning of Obon offerings? Explains the basic "五共（goku）" of offerings and how to choose them

I think that many people do not understand the specific meaning and reason for the "offerings" that are prepared as a matter of course during the Obon festival. Also, when preparing offerings in Obon for the first time, you may be wondering what to buy.

Therefore, in this article, we will explain in detail the word offering and the meaning of the items in order to improve the event called Obon.

What is the meaning and duration of offering to Obon?

Obon is the period when the spirits of your ancestors return from the world. The offerings prepared at this time are meant to hope that the ancestors can reach their homes safely, or to offer memorial services and hospitality at home after a long absence. The offering period is generally 13 to 16 days based on August 15.

Ideally, the offering should be one that the deceased liked. However, since summer is a time when food is perishable, raw meat and fish are not suitable for offerings. Also, if the flowers or food you decorate during this period are damaged, you will of course need to replace them.

By the way, the new tray, which is the first time for families and deceased people, is generally held grandly with as many decorations and offerings as possible.

What is "Goku", which is the basis of offerings for Obon?

In Obon, even if the denominations are different, the basic memorial service is to raise incense sticks in front of the illuminated Buddhist altar and add offerings and flowers called "Goku". And the five offerings have the following meanings and ideas.

香（kou）

Incense means incense sticks. The first meaning of "incense" is to let ancestors and Buddhas enjoy the scent. Incense sticks also have the purpose of purifying the offering family and the worshipers themselves. The sight of the smoke of incense sticks rising to the heavens seems to be interpreted as connecting this world with that world. Make sure to give incense sticks every morning at the end of offering the other five offerings.

flower

The deceased also likes the scent of flowers. Therefore, please decorate the seasonal flowers that suit the tastes of the deceased. However, if the scent is too strong or the vine is too long, you should avoid it as much as possible.

Also, flowers with thorns like roses are said to be unsuitable for offerings because they are reminiscent of shedding blood. Therefore, it is ideal to choose a flower that the deceased loved in his lifetime and that will calm the visitors.

[If you read the article, may you know the meaning of this KARUTA? ]

灯燭（toushoku）

It means something that lights a light such as a candle. The meaning of the candle in the five offerings is the light that illuminates the whole world. And in Buddhism, it is said that following the light of a candle will eliminate the hesitation. Another idea is that the appearance of slowly shining light and eventually burning out represents impermanence in life.

浄水（jousui）

It means clean water. It is said that "the dead are thirsty", so please do not let the water in the altar run out during the Obon festival. However, some denominations interpret it as offerings without water. If you are uncertain about the preparation of Obon, it is a good idea to consult with the temple staff or the elderly.

飲食（onjiki）

Read "Onjiki". Basically, the same food that your family eats should be opened and placed on a plate so that your ancestors can eat it immediately. And in Obon and equinoctial week, it is common to prepare a special set called a spiritual offering based on one soup and three vegetables.

Features and reasons for offerings that are easy to choose for Obon

The offerings of Obon are not limited to those included in the five offerings. Ideally, you should buy something that is customarily easy to choose so that you do not violate the manners of the memorial service.

Sweets

The standard offerings are sweets that are not easily damaged, such as cookies and rice crackers. Considering the hem division after that, choose individually wrapped ones so that the other party can handle them easily.

fruit

Fruits, which are often in season in the summer, are also recommended as offerings for Obon. In the olden days, the circle was associated with the "edge", so it is ideal to choose a round-shaped peach, watermelon, or grape. However, please note the number of fruit baskets, as they have the meaning of breaking the ties with the deceased when the fruits in them are divided by an even number.

Somen noodles

Somen noodles, which are often selected as offerings, have various meanings and origins depending on the region. For example, the shape of somen noodles may mean "keeping happiness thin and long". There is also a theory that somen noodles prepared for Tanabata, an annual event on July 7, were incorporated into the Obon festival.

flower

Calendula, iris, and gentian are the most popular flowers for Obon. For flowers, it's better to avoid even numbers, just like fruits. It is a good idea to put these flowers together in a number of about 3, 5, or 7 and offer them in pairs on the left and right sides of the Buddhist altar. By the way, it is a common etiquette to unify the color of flowers to white in the first tray after the 49th memorial service is over.

[Do you care about Japan? Would you like to learn Japanese together? ]

Summary

The offering of Obon has the meaning of hospitality to the ancestors who return home at this time. Ideally, the offerings should be centered around the "five offerings," which consist of incense, flowers, candles, purified water, and food and drink.

There are some precautions for each item offered. When preparing for the first Obon festival, please review the points explained in this article and consult with the elderly.

This article is a partial re-edit of the article published in Nihongo Biyori by KARUTA.
Unauthorized reproduction or use of the contents, text, images, illustrations, etc. of this site is strictly prohibited.