JAWing On – Life on Okinawa

This weekend is Obon time again. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Obon, it is the local tradition where family members make an annual pilgrimage to the home of the eldest surviving son of the eldest son of the eldest son on both sides of the family to pay respects to those who came before them. This provides a chance for all the members of the family to reconnect. Along with the tradition comes the rhythmic sounds of the neighborhood Eisa whose music and dancing accompanies the visiting spirits of the ancestors on their farewell journey of the third day. If you can, try to get the chance to see and hear one of the local neighborhood Eisa perform their uplifting performances.