O-higan / Alma Fatagani-Sato

The Higan is observed twice a year, which is usually from three (3) days before to three (3) days after the Spring/Vernal Equinox day (which is around March 21st) and the Autumnal Equinox Day (which is around September 23rd). The Equinox Day is when the length of day and night are almost the same.

During the Autumnal Equinox, you will see a lot of red spider lilies (higanbana) blooming near the graveyards. These flowers are often referred to as the ghost flowers, spirit flowers or flowers of the dead.

Buddhism was introduced to Japan during the Asuka Period (538 -710) but the observance of this holiday started during the reign of Emperor Shōmu of the Nara Period, the 45th emperor of Japan.

Higan is a Buddhist word that literally means “Distant Shore”, commonly referred to as the “Other shore”, which can only be reached after death. In Buddhism, crossing to the other shore is used to refer to the attainment of “nirvana” (freedom from worldly suffering and the beginningless cycle of repeated birth. It is believed that “there is a peaceful world without suffering”.

It is a very important Buddhist event where the family calls a Buddhist monk to recite a sutra to soothe the spirits of the dearly departed ancestors, goes to the grave with some o erings which would include:

• Rice cakes, a glutinous rice cooked then rolled and wrapped with red bean paste. In Spring, it is called Botamochi, named after the botan (peony) ower. In Autumn, it is called Ohagi, named after the hagi (Japanese bush clover) ower. • Incense which is lighted then the fire is put out by just waving your hand back and forth, then let the incense burn up until it all turns into ash. • Buddhist beads (数珠), normally held in your hands while reciting the Buddhist chant. • Pail and ladle (手桶と柄杓), to clean the gravestone and the surroundings with water. • Bouquet of flowers.

Higan is similar to O-bon since it is all about paying respects to the ancestors. The Japanese people take death and everything about it seriously. Thus, it is observed in a very solemn and sacred way.

Alma Fatagani-Sato

Jeepney Press