Tsukiokure Bon Okuribi (Farewell Bonfire of the Late Obon)

What Is Tsukiokure Bon Okuribi?

August 16 is "Tsukiokure Bon Okuribi" -- the final day of "Tsukiokure Bon" (the "month-delayed Obon," observed August 13-16), the version of Obon celebrated one month later than the traditional date. On this day, ceremonies are held across Japan to send the spirits of ancestors back to the other world. The "okuribi" (farewell bonfire) is a ritual to respectfully see off the ancestral spirits who were welcomed earlier with a "mukaebi" (welcoming bonfire) -- an important custom representing Japan's Obon traditions.

Why Is August 16 the Day of the Farewell Bonfire?

Obon was traditionally observed in July according to the old lunar calendar. However, after Japan switched to the modern solar calendar in the Meiji era, many regions adopted a one-month-delayed version of Obon to avoid conflicting with the busy farming season. As a result, August 16 has become widely established as the day of the farewell bonfire.

• The final day of month-delayed Obon: The typical sequence runs from August 13 (welcoming fire) to August 16 (farewell fire).
• A ritual to send off ancestors: Households and communities light fires to help spirits find their way back to the other world without getting lost.
• A nationwide custom: Many regions across Japan hold farewell-fire ceremonies on the 16th, a tradition with deep historical roots.

The History and Culture of the Farewell Bonfire

The farewell bonfire is connected to Japan's ancient ancestor-worship traditions, and its form varies widely from region to region.

• Connection to ancestor worship: Obon customs are rooted in the traditional Japanese belief of welcoming, honoring, and then sending off the spirits of one's ancestors.
• The Gozan no Okuribi in Kyoto: Held on August 16, this is Japan's most famous farewell-fire event, in which giant bonfires shaped like characters and symbols -- "Dai," "Myō," "Hō," a boat, and a torii gate -- are lit on the mountainsides surrounding Kyoto.
• Tōrō Nagashi (floating lanterns): In some regions, lanterns are floated down rivers or out to sea as another form of sending off ancestral spirits.

The Meaning Behind the Farewell Bonfire

The farewell bonfire is more than a ritual -- it's a symbolic act of reaffirming one's connection to one's ancestors.

• Light to guide the spirits: The fire is lit as a "signpost" to help spirits find their way home without getting lost.
• Gratitude and prayer: The ritual expresses gratitude toward one's ancestors and prayers for the family's continued health and safety.
• Community bonds: Farewell bonfires and lantern-floating events also serve to strengthen ties within local communities.

Fascinating Facts About Tsukiokure Bon Okuribi

• Welcoming fire vs. farewell fire: The "mukaebi" welcomes spirits, while the "okuribi" sends them off -- the two form a pair of bookend rituals.
• Shōryō-uma (spirit animals): Small figures made from cucumbers (representing a horse) and eggplants (representing a cow) are offered as "vehicles" for spirits to travel on.
• Regional variations: Farewell customs vary widely by region -- the Tōhoku region has "bon-dōrō" (Obon lanterns), while parts of Kyushu hold "shōryō-nagashi" (spirit-sending processions).
• How the fire is handled: Farewell fires are typically lit at the entrance of a home or in the garden, though for safety reasons, many households today use simplified versions of the ritual.

Tips for Spending Tsukiokure Bon Okuribi

• Light a farewell fire with your family and quietly express gratitude to your ancestors.
• Take part in a local farewell-fire event, such as the Gozan no Okuribi or a lantern-floating ceremony.
• Learn about the history and regional variations of Obon customs.
• Prepare shōryō-uma and offerings to experience the traditional Obon setup firsthand.

The Flickering Light of the Bonfire Quietly Connects the Past and Present

August 16, the day of "Tsukiokure Bon Okuribi," is a meaningful occasion to feel connected to one's ancestors and reflect on family history. Watching the light of the farewell fire can bring a quiet sense of peace and gratitude.