Obon
パーリン
Obon (お盆) is a week-long holiday that falls on the second week of August.
It is believed that the spirits of one's ancestors will return for a visit during Obon.
Japanese tend to return to their hometown (帰省 kisei) to visit their relatives as well as pay respects at the graves of their ancestors (御墓参り ohakamairi).

At the beginning of Obon, some people will display cucumbers with sticks inserted such that it resembles a four-legged creature. The cucumbers represent horses that will escort the deceased to the human realm where they can reunite with their loved ones. Horses are able to travel fast so that the deceased can arrive as soon as possible.

At the end of Obon, people will light lanterns or fires to guide the deceased back to the other side. Mt Daimonji in Kyoto is famous for Okuribi (送り火) or "send-off fires". They will also display eggplants with sticks inserted and these represent cows who will send the deceased back together with gifts from the human realm.

Besides returning home during Obon, some Japanese will use the opportunity to travel within Japan or overseas.

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