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| Palolo Hongwanji Bon Dance |
We're fools whether we dance or not so we might as well dance. It's a Japanese proverb. Attending a bon dance at the local Hongwanji is great fun but it's even more fun if you dance. You don't have to know what you're doing. Guests are welcome to step into the circle and join in on the repetitive motions. Our favorite dances are those with clapping. My new favorite this year is the Nekko Dance. The moves are like a cat! I can do that!
Like most Hawaii events, you always see somebody you know. We ran into a few friends and caught up. There were also a few politicians sharing the evening. We've got an election on August 11 so it's pretty typical for candidates to smile, shake hands, and say a little something. They did a good job with the dance, too!
The food is always delicious! The menu includes zenzai, saimin, mochi, noodles...it's hard to choose. The room with the long line was selling popcorn and shaved ice. Big hit! Every other child had a cup of melting ice flavored with orange and red juice. Good for a warm night. Another room had fried noodles for sale. The profit from these sales goes to support the aide efforts in Japan following the 2011 tsunami. The group shared pictures of the work being done to clean the waters and rebuild homes, they sold t-shirts, and they showed a video of musicians giving benefit concerts.
A tradition at the Palolo Hongwanji Bon Dance is the craft sale in the temple basement. Seniors stand behind tables with handcrafted quilts, happi coats, and other sewn goods. One of these days I'll purchase a quilt!Bon season celebrates our ancestors and is often a chance for families to gather for reunions. In the temple incense burns and scrolls are posted in recognition of members from the community who have recently passed away.
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| At the Center are the Musicians |
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