I found this explanation in Wikipedia:
Obon (お盆) or just Bon (盆), also referred to as "Day of the Dead," 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. Also called the Feast of Lanterns, it has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon-Odori.
Art and I were married in this temple 36 years ago. This is the first time we've been back to the temple since our wedding day.
I could remember walking down this aisle.
I remembered saying our vows here. KC was curious about everything but she really was just waiting for one of her favorite treats that she knew was served at Obon Festivals.
The reception hall was in the basement of the temple. And yes, it was still there looking just as it did so long ago. We'd hired a band to play on that stage and a buffet table was set up to feed our 225 guests. Would you believe our entire wedding cost us about $1,200?
At last... Tif found the food stand where sushi was being sold. KC could hardly wait.
Tif said it was awesome to be at the temple in the place where her parents were wed and the saga of our lives together began.
Wow, what a special trip--how wonderful to come back as three generations! I love the photos.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful a trip that must have been for you all. What an absolutely gorgeous temple to be married in. How sweet it must have felt to share your visit with your daughter and granddaughter! Does it seem as if it were only yesterday that you were married? And look what your life has been filled with in those years, a wonderful family!
ReplyDeletewhat an awesome family reunion of special celebrations and honoring your ancestors all at once. And to have your little grand daughter there to share it makes it a complete cycle.
ReplyDeleteI have been to a Bon dance just once with friends and before I met and married David. Thanks for the memories. Hard to believe it is a 500 year tradition!
ReplyDeleteThat was really great that you and Art got to go to the Temple where your lives began together! It is beautiful! What memories I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteHow very special and wonderful for all of you! And, yes, three generations, fabulous! And how beautiful the temple is!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your marvelous photos and the lovely story!
So very happy for you!
Enjoy,
Sylvia
Such special memories of a wonderful life together begun in that place. I'm so glad you could share it with your granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteKay;
ReplyDeleteA great memory for all of you. When our children become adults and can visit the places that are special to us and also have it then mean the world to them ...perfect !
Beautiful temple.
I agree with Tif. A fun occasion with a special meaning for you.
ReplyDeleteA great story, Kay.
ReplyDeleteDid you dance?
What a lovely story Kay. Those photos are fabulous and the Temple is exquisite. So many beautiful memories to share with your daughter and granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteThanks also for commenting on my 'uh-oh' post. I think the more information we can get out to fellow blogging friends, the better and I really appreciated your input. So sorry you had such a disaster a while back. Goodness, they are nasty things aren't they?
The temple is beautiful..its interesting to see your picture with KC in the same venue where you two got married...i loved it...wow.
ReplyDeleteThis would have been a special trip. I cannot believe you and Art have been married 36 years - serioulsy you both have not aged much. Wahtever you are doing its working. You both look great. I think to have KC there with you too makes it that much mroe special.
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