By Rachel Galvin
The Japanese tradition of Obon was celebrated August 15-16 at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, including peaceful walks, powerful drumming, synchronized dancing and thoughtful remembrances. Obon is a traditional holiday honoring the spirit of one’s ancestors.
The booming of the Taiko drums stirred the senses, awakened by the passionate playing of the Fushu Daiko drummers. Different generations created powerful and meaningful beats.
Attendees got to then feel the rhythms by learning a traditional dance. Simple steps and movements were employed as dancers moved seamlessly around in a series of circles surrounding the drummers who had ventured outside in front of the lake.
The trail welcomed visitors who sought to think in peace as they walked around the lake and sought out some of the vendors hidden among the trees. People could get something to eat, make a keychain, get their name written in Japanese, buy a bonsai tree and more.
Inside, guests could write a message to their ancestors to be burned in lanterns that would be released later that night at a special fundraiser.
There also is a museum inside reflecting on the culture with changing exhibitions. During this event, they had an interactive exhibit about WW2 and the Japanese experience on display, including information on the internment camps with polls and other elements the guests could participate in, as well as an exhibit on Japanese woodblocks, and one on the specialized silk garments called Uchikake, historically known to be worn by women at weddings. The latter exhibit is still on display until September 20.
Next on exhibit, from September 18 through January 17, 2027, is art by Clifton Karhu, an American working and living in Japan. Also, the exhibit called Mending Cracks in Time: Kintsugi Art of Naoko Fukumaru is on display from October 17 to February 28, 2027.
After seeing the museum, stop by the gift shop, where you can find everything from a special soup spoon to art books and more.
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has events year-round and is open for exploration but they are closed on Mondays. It is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call 561-495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
