Origins And Significance Of The Five Mountain Send Off Fires

Unlock the Enchanting Gozan no Okuribi: A Spiritual and Visual Spectacle in Kyoto

Origins and Significance of the Five Mountain Send-Off Fires

Gozan no Okuribi, also known as Daimonji, is an annual festival celebrated in Kyoto, Japan, on the evening of August 16th. It holds great cultural and religious significance, marking the end of the Obon period, when spirits of the deceased are believed to return to the realm of the living.

Five Monumental Fires Illuminate the City

The highlight of the festival is the lighting of five massive bonfires on five different mountains surrounding Kyoto. Each bonfire represents a kanji character:

• Daimonji (大文字) on Daimonjiyama
• Myoho (妙法) on Funayama
• Funagata (船形) on Matsugasakiyama
• Hotaka (左大文字) on Higashiyama
• Toriigata (鳥居形) on Nishiyama

Experiencing the Festival and Its Enchanting Ambiance

Thousands of spectators gather at vantage points around the city to witness this breathtaking spectacle. The fires are usually lit at around 8 pm, and each bonfire lasts for approximately 30 minutes.

For an immersive experience, consider visiting one of the designated viewing spots such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple or Nanzen-ji Temple. These locations offer stunning panoramic views of the illuminated mountains and the city adorned with lanterns.

Historical Roots and Symbolism

The tradition of Gozan no Okuribi dates back to the 16th century, when it was used to guide the spirits of the deceased back to their ancestral homes. The fires represent the purification of sins and symbolize the end of the Obon period.

The five kanjis have deep Buddhist meanings:

• Daimonji: "great letter," representing the cosmic Buddha
• Myoho: "wonderful law," symbolizing the Lotus Sutra
• Funagata: "boat shape," representing the boat that carries spirits to the afterlife
• Hotaka: "left big letter,"representing the guiding light for spirits
• Toriigata: "torii gate shape," symbolizing the gateway between the human and spiritual realms

Preserving a Cultural Tradition

Gozan no Okuribi is designated as an Intangible Cultural Property of UNESCO and plays a vital role in preserving Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. The festival continues to attract both locals and visitors alike, showcasing the beauty and spirituality of Japanese traditions.