The 20th,March is Spring Equinox Day~ Shunbun-no-hi(春分の日):National Holiday
The Japanese visit their family graves to pay respect to their ancestors on these days.
These rites are based on Buddhist ideas.
However, they are followed by many Japanese people, regardless of their religious faith.
The custom is said to have been started by Prince Shotoku during 7th century.
The Meiji Government designated the equinox days as national holidays.
Japanese make Ohagis (おはぎ, Botamochi ぼたもち) and offer them to their ancestors on the graves or their household Buddhist alter in their houses.
Ohagis are sold well everywhere, in Japanese Supermarkets or hand made.
The Japanese visit their family graves to pay respect to their ancestors on these days.
These rites are based on Buddhist ideas.
However, they are followed by many Japanese people, regardless of their religious faith.
The custom is said to have been started by Prince Shotoku during 7th century.
The Meiji Government designated the equinox days as national holidays.
Japanese make Ohagis (おはぎ, Botamochi ぼたもち) and offer them to their ancestors on the graves or their household Buddhist alter in their houses.
Ohagis are sold well everywhere, in Japanese Supermarkets or hand made.
The name Botamoch comes from the Japanese for the spring flower, Peony(Botan 牡丹)