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Just when you think you've finally reached a point where you can finally take a break from the first Bon festival, you have to start cleaning up again.
The problem is how to dispose of Bon lanterns. In particular, gift lanterns are filled with the giver's feelings of gratitude and respect for the deceased, so some people may be unsure what to do with them.
In this article, we will explain how to dispose of and put away the Bon lanterns used during the first Bon festival.
Types of Bon lanterns used at the first Bon festival (Shinbon)
- White lantern
- Bon Festival lanterns with designs
- The gifted Bon lanterns
White lantern
White lanterns are lanterns that are either solid white or have openwork patterns.
Only one is used for each deceased person, so in some areas the posthumous Buddhist name is written on white Japanese paper.
Generally, the bereaved family prepares the memorial themselves and attaches it to the eaves or entrance.
White lanterns are only displayed during the first Bon festival, so it is customary to dispose of them once they have served their purpose.
However, depending on your family's opinions, some may want to keep the items, so it's best to check with others at home before deciding to dispose of them on your own.
Bon Festival lanterns with designs
The bon lanterns used during the annual Obon festival are decorated with designs of flowers and plants.
Unlike white lanterns, there is no limit to the number that can be displayed, and in some regions it is said that the more lanterns there are, the greater the affection for the deceased.
Regular Bon lanterns can be used for Bon festivals after the first one, so it is a good idea to store them in a box or something similar.
If you decide to keep your bon lanterns, please be aware of the following:
- If it is made of Japanese paper or silk, remove dust with a feather duster, then disassemble as many parts as possible before storing.
- When placing it in a box, it is advisable to wrap each part in plastic or something similar to prevent it from being rubbed and torn.
- In this case, it is a good idea to poke small holes in the bag to allow air to pass through and then line the inside of the box with newspaper.
- Since they are easily eaten by insects, storing them with insect repellent will make it easier to keep them in good condition.
- Avoid storing in hot and humid environments as much as possible.
The gifted Bon lanterns
Among the decorated bonbori lanterns you own, there are probably some that you have given as gifts.
Of course, the bon lanterns that are given as gifts can be displayed at the next bon festival, so if they are in good condition, there is no problem using them the following year as well.
It is filled with the giver's gratitude and respect for the deceased, so please take great care when storing it and treat it with care.
How to dispose of Bon lanterns
Bon lanterns serve as guideposts for the spirits of ancestors, and are also important offerings that contain feelings for the deceased.
Therefore, when disposing of the items, it is considered desirable to have them cremated and offered as a memorial service.
If it is difficult to make a request immediately after the Obon holidays, some temples and shrines hold "Sagicho (Dontoyaki)" on New Year's Eve or after New Year's Day, so you can have the fire burned at that time.
However, there is no clear rule that says that disposal must be carried out by burning the items.
In today's living conditions, it may be difficult to even hold a cremation ceremony.
In that case, you can purify the Bon lantern with salt at home, pray with your family, then cut off a small piece of the fire bag (the part of the lantern that lights up) and burn it in your garden, and dispose of the rest according to the instructions of your local government.
If this is difficult due to your living environment, you can simply dispose of everything as general waste.
You may also be able to dispose of the bonbori lantern by consulting the Buddhist altar store where you purchased it.
Recently, stylish white lanterns that can be used every year are also being sold.
As we have introduced this time, the simple lanterns that were originally used only during the first Bon festival were called "white lanterns."
However, in recent years, Bon lanterns have also been made that are designed without any designs.
The BONTOU lantern has an extremely simple design that suits the tastes of modern people. It is perfect for home use, but also makes a great gift as it blends in with any room.
It is not uncommon for people to worry and become anxious about how to store and dispose of the Bon lanterns used during the first Bon festival.
If you do not want to keep the remains, it is recommended that you hold a memorial service by burning them, but some people may find the arrangements for this difficult in the first place.
In that case, we recommend that you don't overthink it and choose a disposal method that is within your means.However, the Bon lanterns you receive contain sentimental meaning, so don't forget to put them away with care when you dispose of them.
Recently, white lanterns have also been made that can be used for a long time without having to be disposed of.
Just like decorated lanterns, these can be used every year, so be sure to check carefully when purchasing.
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