Illuminate Your Summer : The Enchanting World of Man-Tōrō(万灯篭) Lantern Festivals
Illuminate Your Summer : The Enchanting World of Man-Tōrō(万灯篭) Lantern Festivals Hello, dear readers! Today, I want to introduce you to a captivating summer tradition in Japan known as "Man-Tōrō." (万灯篭) This beautiful event is commonly observed during Obon and other memorial ceremonies. What is Man-Tōrō?(万灯篭) : "Man-Tōrō," (万灯篭) or "Thousands of Lanterns," is a traditional Japanese festival where numerous lanterns are lit to honor the spirits of the deceased. During the Obon season, it is believed that the spirits of ancestors return to their families. To welcome and bid farewell to these spirits, people light countless lanterns. These glowing lights symbolize respect and gratitude towards the departed, guiding their way back home. A Sacred Tradition : Beyond Obon, Man-Tōrō can also be seen at festivals held in Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Here, lighting lanterns serves as an expression of thanks and prayer to the deities. The soft, ...