Buddhist Altar Day

What Is Buddhist Altar Day?

The 27th of every month is "Butsudan no Hi," or Buddhist Altar Day, in Japan. It was established by the All Japan Religious Articles Cooperative Association. The date comes from the Nihon Shoki, which records that on the 27th day of the third month of Emperor Tenmu's 14th year, an edict ordered households across the provinces to build a Buddhist shrine and place an image and sutras there for worship.

Marking the Beginning of Home Worship

That edict is known as the record of households first being told to set aside a place to enshrine the Buddha, and is regarded as the origin of the household altar in Japan. The observance was originally March 27, and was later extended to the 27th of every month.

• Established by: the All Japan Religious Articles Cooperative Association
• Origin of the date: the edict of the third month, 27th day, in Emperor Tenmu's 14th year, as recorded in the Nihon Shoki
• Content of the edict: that each household build a Buddhist shrine and place an image and sutras there for worship
• Expansion: first March 27, later the 27th of every month

A Memorial Service in Nagoya

The Nagoya Buddhist Altar Trade Cooperative holds a memorial service for old household altars at Osu Kannon temple each year on March 27, an example of an anniversary that has taken root as an actual event.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Dust the altar and its fittings and set them in order
• Check your stock of candles and incense before the New Year
• If you are visiting family, make time to pay respects at their altar
• Ask about your family's Buddhist sect and temple

A Few Quiet Minutes at Year's End

Late December is the season for deep cleaning, which makes it a natural time to tidy around the altar. Buddhist Altar Day on December 27 is a chance to find a few quiet minutes amid the rush.