Obon (ãŠç›†) or just Bon (盆) is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the departed (deceased) spirits of one’s ancestors. -Wikipedia
The custom usually lasts for three days during the middle of July. Like the Mexicans and their Day of the Dead, the Japanese mark these days with dancing, singing and feasts. At the end, there are fireworks and people light floating lanterns on rivers to symbolize the spirits on their way to the world of the dead.
As I read about all this, I was reminded of a drawing I had made:
click for a larger image
