Nagasaki Spirit Boat Procession 2024

The tradition you’re describing is an annual event that takes place on August 15th, where families who have lost a loved one before the Bon Festival engage in a traditional ritual to console the spirits of the departed. This event is a symbol of Bon season in Nagasaki, where handmade boats are pulled through the streets, representing a journey to the Pure Land to send off the souls of the deceased.

Each family creates their own boat, using materials such as bamboo, boards, and straw. The boats come in various sizes, and prominently displayed on the extended prow (miyoshi) are the family crest, name, and the name of the town. These boats are decorated with great care, incorporating the deceased person’s hobbies and preferences. Some families even collaborate to create joint boats, and as August approaches, intricately adorned boats can be seen throughout the streets.

On the day of the event, as dusk falls, the sound of bells ringing with the rhythm of “Chankonchankon” and calls of “Doidoi” echo from various parts of the town. The streets are filled with the deafening noise of firecrackers, and the procession continues late into the night, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city.

 

 

 

 

Event Summary

Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture

Period

August 15, 2024

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