The toro nagashi ceremony was hosted by the Koloa Jodo Mission Sunday night at the Kukui‘ula Small Boat Harbor and signals the end of the o-bon season. During o-bon, Buddhists believe that spirits of the deceased return to the earthly
The toro nagashi ceremony was hosted by the Koloa Jodo Mission Sunday night at the Kukui‘ula Small Boat Harbor and signals the end of the o-bon season.
During o-bon, Buddhists believe that spirits of the deceased return to the earthly world for a reunion with living relatives. O-bon is highlighted by bon dances which is symbolic of the joy of these reunions, and in Hawai‘i, has become a central community gathering event where neighbors from around the island congregate to socialize.
Shelley Gerardo had among the flotilla of toro, or paper lanterns, one in memory of her grandmother, grandfather and another relative.
Earlier, Gerardo said, she brought up the ceremony at a company meeting where she works and tried to figure out how the company could help the traditional event.
“I extended invitations to people in the company, and some of them came,” Gerardo said. “I’m really glad they were able to come.”
Along with Shelley, her son Draydan strained in his stroller, his arms outstretched toward a candle that was lit for the ceremony, his eyes reflecting the joy of a child enthralled with the flame that danced and flickered in the brisk evening breezes.
“I take him to all of these events, even the bon dances, so he’ll learn about these things,” Shelley said. “Right now, he thinks this is a birthday because of the candle, and he wants to blow it out.”
The Rev. Kosen Ishikawa of the Koloa Jodo Mission explained that the lit toro serves as light for the spirits on their return to their world.
Additionally, Ishikawa said, the light serves as a prayer and offering to the souls.
Amidst the chanting, volunteers fought the breezes to light the lanterns, each one penned with the name of a deceased person.
The lead boat, lit by a battery-powered pair of chochin, or lanterns, was launched, its garlands of fragrant plumeria wafting in the evening air, melding with the aroma of incense that blanketed the several hundred spectators who lined the wharf for the ceremony.
Each raft of lanterns was attached to the lead boat and volunteer swimmers from the church guided the procession of lit lanterns out into the out-going current.
“This is so special,” said Dr. Monroe Richmond who attends the annual ritual, and following the launching, set out to find his wife among the throng of people who followed the procession to the end of the wharf.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
