Yes, I’m terrible, my mother was so involved with all the cultural goings on, and after she passed away I was/am quite ignorant of it. I know I had noticed these wooden things in the past, and saw them again this year on the grounds of the Jodo Mission. I had been meaning to ask about them as I had a vague understanding that they were to honor and commorate your loved ones that had passed. The large o-toba need to be preordered. It just so happened that my sister and younger nephew are visiting and we decided to visit my mother’s niche this Saturday. And it just so happens that the Jodo Mission was performing the obon rituals this weekend. So we got the express “chutoba” version. I understand that these toba tablets are unique to the Jodo Mission sect. During obon, it is believed that the spirits of the deceased come back for a visit. The bon dances and festivals is a celebration, the spirits are partying along too, and when it’s over, the spirits are then sent back with the toronagashi ritual to symbolize that. The toba are thought to be the temporary lodging so to speak for these spirits.
So mom, I’m awkward with this cermonial stuff, but somehow as much by chance, or perhaps some etherial hand gently nudging events, we showed up for this. So me, Tokiko and Sascha made it to your hatsubon, first obon. Enjoy!
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