Jul 15 2007
Waipahu Hongwanji bon dance vlog
Waipahu Hongwanji Bon Dance vlog - 07.14.2007 (Click to watch the video)
We noted the lack of a teru teru bozu hanging from the yagura at the Waipahu Hongwanji bon dance and the dark clouds overhead looked ominous. There’s nothing like a downpour to really put a damper on a good bon dance. No pun intended, of course. So, I decided that it was up to us to make a teru teru bozu of our own to keep the rain at bay. In champuru vlog #16, I talk a little bit about the teru teru bozu and show you scenes from the bon dance, which happens to be one of our favorites. This particular vlog is a little different from the other bon dance editions, featuring a little more dialog and a little less dance footage. After a while, it seems to “all look same.” So I injected a little more of my own personality into the vlog — for better or worse. At any rate, I hope you enjoy it. And if you run into me at a bon dance, be sure to stop by and say “hi!”
A 30-something Christian girl, blissfully wedded to her perfect match (the yang to her yin) of 14 years. A new mom to her miracle baby, born on October 4, 2008. 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.
Ooh, the bon dancing and music just takes me back! and the food!
I remember eating grilled corn, that was just basted with soy sauce… mm that’s such matsuri food.
Oh and yakisoba…gotta have yakisoba. LOL it seems like matsuris for me are all about food and beer.
But the teru teru bozu…it’s too bad it didn’t work! I remember making them out of tissue paper when I was a kid, but most of the time it seemed like it still rained anyways. :/
Now I’ll probably have to make one just because. Thanks for triggering those memories!
Yoshi: I look forward to summers because we spend our Saturday nights at the obon dances! It’s the best!
To Teru Teru Bozu’s credit, after that short downpour, the rain was very light and minimal! (Although, I honestly don’t put too much trust in a piece of string and some napkins. hehe!) It’s fun to make though!
Thanks for explaining about the shinta (sp?) in the background. We didn’t have those at the Obon dances I went to on the Big Island growing up. Is that something new or recent? Do you know of a website where more of an explanation on its origins can be found?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shisa
Hey Donna,
Cute video with teh candid shots left in. Shows how much fun attending a bon dance really is! Let’s see, you’ve been to a bon dance every weekend this season, right? You’re batting 1000 so don’t stop now! Gambatte kudasai!
As for teh teru teru bozu, I was told that you hang it up to prevent rain, and if it does rain, then you cut it’s head off. I’m wasn’t too sure about the second part so I Wikipedia’d it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teru_teru_bozu
Sure enough, the last line of the warabe uta says: “Then I shall snip your head off” Yow!
But I also found out that if you want it to rain, then just hang the teru teru bozu with it’s head pointing downward. Good to know in these times of drought.
loved the vlog! as an aside,
i almost never watch video online.
i just don’t like it. i don’t do
youtube, etc. it takes a lot for
me to click on a video link. yours
is one of the few that i always like
to watch! great job !!
what was the shaggy good luck
thing meant to be? a lion? or
some mythical creature?