(Dancers perform a traditional Japanese fan dance at the Obon Festival on Sunday at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple. Photo by Johanna Miller/Pajaronian)
WATSONVILLE — A clear, deep ring echoed from within the Watsonville Buddhist Temple Sunday afternoon — a sound that is only heard twice a year.
The temple’s ceremonial bell, according to Rev. Jay Shinseki, is rang once toward the start of the new year, and again during Obon.
“Obon is a very special time,” Shinseki said. “For remembering our past, to give thanks … but also to celebrate.”
Obon is a custom from Japan dating back hundreds of years, observed to honor and celebrate one’s ancestors, as well as reunite with family. Obon festivals are held all over the world, with Buddhist temples inviting communities to come to share food, activities and dancing.
Watsonville Buddhist Temple’s Obon Festival has been a tradition for decades.
“I first came to this event in 1974,” said Watsonville native Maria Burnett, who was preparing to dance Sunday afternoon.
Burnett said that she had taken a Japanese friend to a Portuguese event that year, and that her friend decided to return the favor.
“It was kind of like a cultural exchange,” Burnett laughed. “We shared our customs and learned from each other.”
Eventually, Burnett said, she was convinced to start learning the traditional dances which cap off the festival every year.
“Watsonville is a community with a rich heritage, with lots of traditions,” she said. “Obon really shows that.”
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Dancers adorned with colorful garments and headpieces gathered at Watsonville’s annual Obon Festival on Sunday. Photo by Johanna Miller/Pajaronian
Sunday’s festivities included a farmer’s market, food prepared by temple members and local organizations, vendors and live entertainment. In addition, Shinseki gave a talk on Buddhism within the temple itself before the dancing at 4 p.m.
“I love Obon,” Shinseki said. “It’s a way to bring the community together. You realize how deep our connections really are — in Watsonville and beyond.”
The festival’s Master of Ceremonies, Ken Tanimoto, along with Buddhist Temple President Barbara Shingai, spoke to the gathered crowd before dancing began, honoring members who had recently passed away. They also presented this year’s scholarships, which are given to graduating high school seniors every year.
Led by dance instructor Akemi Ito, dancers of all ages who had been practicing for months performed eight dances — sometimes with fans and towels. Members of the Salinas and Monterey Buddhist temples participated as well.
Tanimoto urged people in the crowd to participate toward the end for the “Tanko Bushi” dance.
“It’s like when you sing in the shower,” he joked, “No one judges you there. Well, no one judges your dancing here! This is a dance without shame, purely for the joy of it.”
