All Hallows

November 2024 11月

ハロウィン

Yes, it's that time of year again - Hallowe'en - All Saints Eve, the evening before November 1st, when in the Christian tradition you visit the graves of your forefathers. Indeed, you will still see this in parts of Germany today, especially in Catholic Bavaria (Allerheiligen) .However, it is now become more of a party for children with pumpkins 🎃 and horrors. I thought this view of The Towers was quite fitting.......

聖人

Come to think of it, the word hallows has almost vanished from everyday English. It means saints, or as a verb, like as in hallowed ground.

When I lived in London I used to cycle past a church which was right next to the Tower of London. An early medieval church called All Hallows by the Tower. Probably a little overlooked these days by tourists on their way to Gunpowder plot - The Immersive Experience.

盆

In other parts of the world, remembering your forefathers is more of a celebration. In Japan it can be a sort of family reunion, when you tidy up the family grave, light incense and pray. Or you might open up the household altar and do much the same. The festival is called Bon, お盆 and lasts three days. The first time I stayed in Yokohama I opened up the cupboard in my room, hoping to find a spot to hang my clothes. Instead the doors opened to reveal a house altar. One of those surprises for a foreigner.

And then there is the folk dance...the Bon Odori https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obon#Bon_Odori It's a happy event, with its lilting music and drumming.....

フランクフルト

The Japanese community in Frankfurt always puts on this event, and anyone can join in...

But in Europe we have chosen a gloomy month for remembering those who have gone before us.....

しかし、ヨーロッパでは、私たちの前に逝った人々を思い出すために暗い月を選びました.....

However, a Ginko tree adds colour to this scene in Langen.....

...and dogs have to be walked......

Nature can still put on a show.....

...and if you are lucky you might meet a local inhabitant emerging from his den.....

....地元住民

Luckily he has not eaten these......

....or these for that matter....

Others have passed this way long ago.....

They would have been puzzled by this though.....

...or this......

That's all for this week, except I thought I'd show you a small clip which a friend of mine sent today. It is at a Buddhist temple in Tochigi, a few hours drive north of Tokyo. I don't know what is going on (how do ever really know in Japan 🤔? )......but there are plenty of lights......

Video 友子

See you またね！

Nigel 🙋‍♂️

THE END おわる