HONOKAA — The Honokaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple invites the community to join the 114th annual Memorial Service at 5:30 p.m. July 15 in the social hall, followed by bon dance at 7 p.m.
Anyone of any faith is encouraged to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away in the last 12 months.
A simple and healing ceremony, the service not only pays tribute to the departed but expresses gratitude to them and all ancestors in an uplifting way, often referred to as a “gathering of joy.” During the memorial service, names of those who passed away in the preceding year are read aloud, as families and friends step forward to place incense as a gesture of appreciation for their life.
As the service concludes, everyone is welcome to stay, enjoy and join in the dancing, music, food and celebration. A traditional Buddhist style of folk dancing, bon odori, also known as bon dance, is accompanied by lively taiko drums and music, led by dance groups in colorful happi coats to represent different temples. Young and old participate in the bon dancing, whether they are beginners or lifelong dancers.
Bon dance came to Hawaii in the late 19th century with the waves of Japanese sugar cane plantation laborers. Services were first held in temporary temple sites or private homes until 1905, when the Hamakua Hongwanji temple building was dedicated to serve Kukaiau, Paauilo, Honokaa and surrounding communities. In 1939, the Hongwanji members purchased the temple grounds from the owner, a Mr. Sheaffer of Honokaa Sugar Co. At the time, Rev. Giko Tsuge was resident minister, a post he held for 25 years, bridging time spent in an internment camp during World War II.
According to the Local Legacies Project of the Library of Congress, “Although the dance nearly died out with the onslaught of anti-Japanese fervor that swept Hawaii during the ’40s, a post-World War II event spurred its revival in 1951 when four Japanese-American veterans’ groups sponsored a bon dance to honor the war dead from Hawaii.”
Today’s bon dance is an energetic celebration, enjoyed by families who often plan a reunion or special visit to remember loved ones together.
For the Memorial Service on July 15, names may be submitted in advance by email to misterokumura@yahoo.com, or text 640-4602. During the Memorial Service, when the person’s name is called, anyone may step forward with friends and family to offer a small amount of incense that will be provided, with aloha.
Participants do not have to be temple members or Buddhists, and even without advance arrangements, anyone can honor loved ones by submitting a few.