It was a lovely gathering last Saturday at Aquatic Park. All the expected "Berkeley types" were there, as well as everyone else you could imagine, human or otherwise. The music was perfect, even if the weather wasn't, and everyone did an excellent job of sharing the crayons.
The lanterns were all hand decorated by the people who came. Then they were gathered up and readied for launching.
Which proved to be a little harder than I would have guessed. The wind was not our friend that evening. But the organizers had it all under control - adept helpers were ready to ensure that the lanterns made it safely into the water.
A few of the lanterns didn't mind going in alone, or only with a buddy or two.
And most all made it to the other side.
In Japan, lighted lanterns are part of the Buddhist Obon festival which traditionally takes place in August (July in eastern Japan, but that is a long story). The Obon festival honors the souls of one's ancestors who come and stay for three days. On the final day of the festival, paper lanterns are floated on waterways to help guide the spirits back to the world of the dead.
Since the world's first atomic bombings in Japan in 1945, this Buddhist custom has gathered additional meaning. This was the thirteenth Peace Lantern Ceremony in Berkeley. I hope to attend again next year.
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