Higan: A Time of Balance and Remembering (お彼岸)
- Narelle Katsumoto
- 9月25日
- 読了時間: 3分
Every year in Japan, there are two very special days when day and night are perfectly equal in length: the spring equinox in March and the autumn equinox in September. Both of these days are public holidays, but they’re also tied to a Buddhist tradition called O-Higan (お彼岸).
O-Higan is seen as a moment when the world of the living and the world of the departed are closest. Because of this, many families take time to visit ancestral graves, clean them, and offer flowers and incense to honor loved ones who have passed away.
The Meaning of “Higan”
The word Higan literally means “the other shore.” In Buddhist thought, this “other shore” represents nirvana—the state of enlightenment beyond the struggles of everyday life. By contrast, the world we live in now is called Shigan, or “this shore.”
So, while Higan is a time to pay respects to ancestors, it’s also a chance to reflect on your own life and renew your personal dedication to Buddhist values or simply to kindness and self-growth.
A Seven-Day Period of Reflection
Higan isn’t just one day—it’s a week-long observance that happens twice a year. Each Higan lasts for seven days: three days leading up to the equinox, the day of the equinox itself (called Chūnichi, or “middle day”), and three days after.
During this period, people reflect on Amitabha’s Pure Land (Gokuraku Jōdo), often described as a heavenly realm or place of peace after death, while also focusing on doing good deeds and showing compassion.
Alongside New Year’s and Obon in summer, Higan is one of the key times in Japan when families to honor and remember their ancestors.
A Tradition with Deep Roots
The connection between Higan and Buddhism goes back over a thousand years. Records show that ceremonies were held at the imperial court as early as 806, during the Heian period. Famous works like The Tale of Genji and Kagerō Nikki also mention O-Higan.
By the Edo period (1603–1868), visiting family graves during Higan had spread widely among the public. Today, the equinox days are official holidays, encouraging people to respect nature, cherish life, and remember those who came before them.
How People Celebrate Higan
During Higan, families usually:
Visit and clean gravesites – Graves are tidied, flowers are placed, and incense is burned.
Attend temple services – Many temples hold memorial ceremonies during this period.
Offer food to ancestors – A traditional sweet called ohagi (in autumn) or botamochi (in spring) is prepared. These are sticky rice dumplings covered with sweet red bean paste, soybean flour, or sesame. First they’re offered to ancestors, then enjoyed at home.
Practice reflection and virtues – Higan is also a reminder to work on six important Buddhist values:
Fuse (布施): Generosity—giving without expecting anything in return.
Jikai (持戒): Morality—living by good principles.
Ninniku (忍辱): Patience—enduring hardships without complaint.
Shōjin (精進): Diligence—putting in steady, sincere effort.
Zenjō (禅定): Meditation—keeping the mind calm and focused.
Chie (智慧): Wisdom—understanding things as they truly are.
Higan Today
Even today, Higan is celebrated all across Japan. For some people, it’s a deeply spiritual time. For others, it’s a family tradition that brings generations together and offers a quiet pause in busy lives. At its heart, Higan is about remembering ancestors, valuing life, and finding balance within yourself.
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