お盆はいつ？

地域によって時期の違いはあるけれど、多くの日本の各地では8月15日がお盆にあたるかと思います。
Depending on the area, the timing is a bit different. However, but across large parts of Japan, I think it's safe to say that August 15th is Obon.

みなさん、外国人に「お盆って何の行事なの？」と聞かれた時、きちんと答えられる自信はありますか？
If asked "What is Obon?" by a foreigner, is everyone confident in their ability to properly explain the holiday?

そもそも、私の場合は日本語でも説明が怪しいです。。。
Even in 100% Japanese, I'm suspicious of my ability to properly explain Obon...

お盆を日本語＆英語で説明するとこうなりました！
If explained both in Japanese and English, it goes something like this!

お盆とは？

What is Obon?

夏に行われる日本の祖先の霊を祀る仏教の行事です。時期や行事の内容は地域によって様々ですが、7月～8月に行われます。
Taking place in the summer, it is a Buddhist event during which to worship the spirits of one's ancestors. The timing and exact contents vary from region to region, but it usually takes place in July or August.

「迎え火」「送り火」

"Welcoming Fire" and "Farewell Fire"

一般的には、13日の夕刻「迎え火」と呼ばれるたき火をし、先祖の霊を迎えます。16日（もしくは15日）に「送り火」と呼ばれる先祖の霊を送る火を起こします。京都の「五山送り火」が有名ですね。期間中仏壇やお墓にお供え物をします。
Generally, on August 13th, a bonfire known as a "Welcoming Fire" is lit, and the spirits of departed ancestors come to visit. On the 16th (or in some cases the 15th) a "Farewell Fire" is lit to send off the spirits back to the spirit world. In Kyoto, they light five giant Chinese characters on five separate mountains for this event, and it's famous. During Obon, people put offerings on their Buddhist altars or on graves of ancestors.

「盆踊り」

15日、もしくは16日の晩に各地の寺社の境内で開催され、老若男女が一緒になって踊る、お盆のクライマックスです。今では寺社に限らず、宗教性のない行事として行われることが多くなりました。駅前に櫓を構え、露店を呼び、地域住民が親睦を高める目的としても行われています。浴衣を着て近所の盆踊りに出かけ、ステージの周りを踊り、和太鼓がリズムを刻みます。
"Bon Dancing"
On the 15th (sometimes the 16th), at Shinto shrines all across Japan, men and women of all ages gather to dance together--it is the climax of Obon, something called "Bon Dancing." Nowadays, it's not only limited to Shinto shrines; it's also performed as a secular ceremony. Bleachers are set up in front of local stations, food stalls pop up, and the townspeople dance together as a way to strengthen their friendship and feeling of community. They put on traditional Japanese yukata and head to the local dancing place, dancing around the stage, while giant traditional drums carve out a rhythm.

「帰省」

多くの日本企業が休日となります。長期の休暇が取れることから、故郷へ帰省する人が増えます。日本人の間では仏教行事としてだけではなく、家族が集まる大切な日とされています。
"Homecoming"
Obon is a holiday for the majority of Japanese companies. Because employees can take a long holiday, the number of people who return to their hometown during Obon is increasing. Among Japanese people, Obon is not only seen as a Buddhist religious ceremony, but also as an important time to gather with family.

「もっと日本文化の良さを伝えたい！」
知ってるだけじゃもったいない！今すぐ伝えられる語学力を！
▼▼▼【無料体験予約・見学】▼▼▼
https://rosettastone-lc.jp/entry/