If it's June in Hawai'i — June, July or August, in fact — it's time for O-bon — the season of remembrance of the dead, celebrated in the Buddhist community at temples, shrines and by organizations and families with special services and festivals.

O-bon is an annual Buddhist event for commemorating one's ancestors. It is believed that each year during O-bon, the ancestors' spirits return to this world to visit.

In a modern vein, this Buddhist custom has evolved into a family reunion during which people return to ancestral family places, clean ancestors' graves and visit household altars.

Buddhist services are held at temples and homes for ancestors, relatives and friends who died in the past.

Eager to properly guide the spirits of ancestors on the day, it is customary to light lanterns at houses and temple grounds for bon odori (bon dances). Some such lanterns were formerly very elaborate, specially made for the occasion.

Likewise, usually at the end of the season, candle-lit little boats, holding prayers or inscribed names, in an observance called toro nagashi, light the way to guide the spirits of the departed back to the other world.

The most important feature of the service is the offering of food. Therefore, to the ancestors are offered rice, vegetables, fruits, cakes, sweets and flowers. There are prepared special foods to be served to invited guests and friends.

It is religious day, but also quite a joyful social occasion.

Traditionally, graves are visited and food offerings are made at household altars and temples.

Also called the Feast of Lanterns, it has been celebrated in Japan for hundreds of years and traditionally includes a dance of religious folk nature in origin, known as bon odori.

As O-bon occurs in summer, bon dance participants traditionally wear, though they're not required, yukata, or light cotton kimonos.

Many O-bon celebrations include a carnival with rides, games and food.

Note: Bon dance listings will also be included in our TGIF listings on Fridays.

HONOLULU