Higan

17 - March 22, Monday – Saturday

17 - September 22, Wednesday – Monday

Higan
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Higan is a Japanese Buddhist holiday that is celebrated twice a year: in spring and autumn, during the spring higan (usually in March) and autumn higan (in September). This holiday is associated with the equinox, when day and night become almost equal in length.

Features of the holiday
Higan literally means "reached shore", which symbolizes the transition from the world of the living to the world of the dead, as well as the desire for enlightenment and the Buddhist ideal. The holiday is associated with meditation and reflection on life and death.

A time of reflection and worship of ancestors. On higan, people traditionally visit the graves of their ancestors, take care of them, perform rites of veneration, and also hold special Buddhist services. At this time, Buddhists strive to honor the memory of their deceased relatives and remind themselves of the transience of life.

Traditions and customs
Visiting graves. Families visit the graves of their ancestors to honor their memory, clean the graves, and bring flowers or food.

Funeral services. Buddhist monks conduct prayer services, reading sacred texts to help the souls of the dead find peace.

Meditation practices. During this time, Buddhists often devote days to reflection, meditation, and spiritual purification, seeking to get closer to enlightenment.

Pilgrimage sites. In some areas of Japan, higan may also be associated with visiting holy sites, temples, and shrines.

Higan

Higan – days left: 53. Create Countdown to Event

Higan in other years

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