08月13日

Tsukio-kure Bon mukaebi is observed in parts of Japan where Obon is celebrated according to the lunar calendar one month late. Families place small bonfires called mukaebi at entrances to welcome ancestral spirits returning during the Obon period. These fires are often built with straw bundles or pine branches and lit at dusk on August 13th. The ritual is rooted in Buddhist ancestor veneration and local folk beliefs, symbolizing the connection between the living and the departed. Food offerings and lanterns are prepared alongside the fires, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere. The following days include dances and visits to family graves to send the spirits off. This observance highlights the diversity of Obon traditions across Japan and the deep cultural emphasis on honoring one's ancestors.