Sep 24 2006
The Last Obon of 2006
Summer is so fleeting.
I’m one of those people that determines that summer begins with the first bon dance — and ends with the last (even though the last bon dance is called the “Autumn Matsuri”). By my calendar, summer ended last week Saturday.
The last bon dance of 2006 was held on September 16 at the Hawaii Okinawa Center. This particular bon dance is unique as it is held indoors. Although it lacks the charm of outdoor obon festivals that are marked by dancing around the yagura under the stars by the light of the chochin lanterns, it is nice to have the luxury of air conditioning and shelter from the elements. It rained this year, so I was especially thankful for the indoor venue.
Apparently, bon dancing has grown in popularity and this bon dance was very well attended in comparison to years passed. This year’s highlight (besides the dancing, of course) was the super sweet corn that the Young Okinawans were selling. Brushed in butter and delicately crunchy, it was so delightfult that I couldn’t eat just one. It always comes back to food, doesn’t it?
Here’s a little video clip of me (wearing the red hapi coat and the cheesy smile) and Mahealani (in yellow) dancing one of our favorites, “Tenyo Tenyo.” Unfortunately, we always seem to find ourselves without flags, but the hand motions are adequate enough for us.
Where did the summer go?
A 30-something Christian girl, blissfully wedded to her perfect match (the yang to her yin) of 14 years. Living life in Hawaii, less than 5 miles from her hometown, a slave to her mortgage payment, but seeking balance in her pursuit of family, faith, recreation, and rest.
Awesome! Thanks for posting the video clip. One day I’ll get the nerve to try more of the dances. My daughter and her friend really enjoy the bon dances and have no fear in trying all of them. (Sigh) Summer is truly gone…
Mark, anytime you want to try, just let me know. I’m a good coach, really!
I can talk you through the Okinawan ones every step of the way, no problem!
Hi! Do you know any websites or suggestions where I can purchase hapi coats at a reasonable price? Or maybe a pattern for a hapi coat for both adults and a baby? Thanks!
I actually missed this years one had to go to a party in nanakuli, it feels kinda weird missing it evem though i just walk and talk story with frineds and stuff, and of course take pics LOL
Man, that’s fast. (Both the passage of time this summer, and the tempo of that Tenyo Bushi) That vid kinda got me nostalgic for home - just the other day, I saw a cultural awareness table-tent with a bon dance article on it! Summer is definitely over for me, first round of midterms this week, fun fun. Always a pleasure to live vicariously through your blogs.
Why is there no winter Obon. Like in December?
Shame on you for cutting this video so short! I was just getting into it! You judge the end of summer by the end of Bon dance season, while here in Colorado I am seeing my aspen leaves turning yellow and lamenting just the same! Still, I’ll trade you a week of your winter for a week of mine!
i guess summer really is over. i’ve never heard of an indoor bon dance before. that’s a new one for me.