Ohigan

Ohigan is a Japanese Buddhist holiday that is celebrated twice a year, in the spring and fall. It is a time to remember and honor our ancestors.

Spring Ohigan
Spring Ohigan is celebrated on the spring equinox, which is usually in March. The equinox is the day when the sun is directly overhead at the equator. On this day, the day and night are of equal length.
Spring Ohigan is a time for families to come together and visit their ancestors' graves. People also clean their homes and businesses and prepare special foods, such as botamochi (rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste) and hagi mochi (rice cakes filled with chestnuts).

Fall Ohigan
Fall Ohigan is celebrated on the fall equinox, which is usually in September. The equinox is the day when the sun is directly overhead at the tropic of cancer. On this day, the day and night are of equal length.
Fall Ohigan is similar to Spring Ohigan, but it is a time to reflect on the passing of the year and to prepare for the coming winter. People also clean their homes and businesses and prepare special foods, such as ohagi (rice cakes filled with red bean paste and walnuts).