A gaze that looks to the tradition and future of fragrance

All About Obon: Obon is originally an abbreviation, and its formal name is "Urabon-e".
It is said to be derived from the Sanskrit word "Ullambana" (meaning to hang upside down).
This originates from the story of one of Buddha's disciples, Mokuren Sonjya, saving his deceased mother.
One day, Mokuren Sonjya learned that his deceased mother was being tormented while hanging upside down in a hell called the realm of hungry ghosts, and asked Buddha how he could save her. Buddha replied:
"Offer food to the monks who have completed their training on July 15th.
Through the merit of this, you will be able to save your mother.
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Since then, it is said that people began to offer prayers on July 15th, following Mokuren Sonjya's example, out of respect for their ancestors.
Currently, Obon often refers to the period from July 13th to 16th or August 13th to 16th.
(However, in some regions, "Old Obon" centered around the full moon of July in the lunar calendar is observed.)
Generally, August 13th to 16th is called Obon holiday, and this is referred to as "Moon-delayed Obon".
Also, it is customary to have "Bon Odori" (Obon dance) during Obon, which is said to originate from Mokuren Sonjya dancing all night in joy that his mother was saved.


All About Ohigan: The days when the length of day and night are equal are called the equinox, and there are two such days a year, in spring and autumn.
The equinoxes correspond to "Vernal Equinox Day" and "Autumnal Equinox Day", and the three days before and after each, totaling seven days, are called Higan.
During Higan, families visit graves to remember their deceased loved ones and ancestors.
Furthermore, at various temples, memorial services called "Higan-e" are held to offer prayers to ancestors.
In the first place, "Higan" is a Buddhist term that refers to the world of enlightenment without delusion, that is, the Pure Land.
Incidentally, the world we live in is expressed as "Higan" (this shore).
The belief that the Pure Land of Amida Buddha is located in the west is said to be the origin of Ohigan, with the day of prayer being the day the sun sets exactly in the west.


A word about gifts: We are sometimes asked, "What is a gift?"
A "gift" refers to an item or present given to someone.
During the Ochuugen and Oseibo seasons, you may have often seen the word "gift" at department stores, or perhaps you have been asked by a store clerk when making a purchase, "Is this for a gift?"
So, what is the difference between "gift" and "present"? In simple terms, they are the same, but considering the nuances of the words, there is a slight difference between "gift" and "present".
The character "進" (shin) in "進物" (shinmotsu) means "to offer" or "to present", and while "贈答品" (zoutouhin) can be a gift to anyone, "進物" is considered a gift or offering to a superior.
Superiors refer to those who are older or in a higher position than oneself, such as bosses or seniors, but this also includes ancestors, the deceased, and their bereaved families.
"Gifts" are generally accompanied by a "noshi-gami" (gift wrapping paper) with a printed water-based design (traditionally called "kakegami").
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The type of "noshi-gami" changes depending on the occasion, such as celebrations, condolences, or returns for those occasions.


Incense Manufacturing (Handicraft Artisans)

(1) Fragrance Blending and Kneading: Various raw materials are placed in a kneading machine, mixed with water or hot water, kneaded like clay, compressed by a roller press to create a "neridama" (kneaded ball).


(2) Bon-kiri: The "neridama" is fed into an extrusion machine and pushed out into long, somen-like strands.


(3) Itazuke: The strands are arranged closely together on a board called a bon.


(4) Drying: After being placed in a drying room, they are air-dried.


Jinko (Agarwood)
Resin from the Thymelaeaceae family of trees that grow in India and Southeast Asia, which has solidified and aggregated.
It is also called Jinko wood because its specific gravity is high and it sinks in water.
Over many years, the resin formed in the wood becomes buried in soil or water, solidifies, and aggregates to become a fragrant wood that emits a unique aroma.
It is used as a sedative and stomachic medicine.


Byakudan (Sandalwood)
An evergreen tree of the Santalaceae family distributed from the Malay Archipelago to India.
The wood itself emits a sweet aroma and is also called Sendan.
It is an indispensable fragrant wood for Oriental perfumery and is also used as a material for artistic crafts such as Buddhist statues.
Due to the effects of natural disasters and increased demand, the quantity of sandalwood has decreased, and it is becoming a precious material, approaching the value of agarwood.


Chōji (Cloves)
Chōji (cloves) are the dried flower buds of the clove tree, a plant of the Myrtaceae family.
The name Chōji was given because its shape resembles a nail.
Its origin is said to be the Moluccas Islands of Indonesia.
Currently, Indonesia and East Africa are the main production areas.
Those who cook may be more familiar with the name cloves than Chōji.
It is often used as a spice in meat dishes, curries, soups, and sauces.
It is characterized by its strong sweet aroma and a pungent, stimulating taste.


Keihi (Cinnamon)
Keihi (cinnamon) is the dried bark of the Cinnamomum aromaticum (Chinese cinnamon) and other related species, and its origin is said to be southern China, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.
You may be more familiar with the name cinnamon than Keihi.
The aroma of Keihi is a refreshing scent, like that of the Kampo medicine Kakkonto.
It pairs well with Western sweets such as cakes, bread, and cookies, as well as black tea, and is widely enjoyed in forms such as cinnamon rolls, cinnamon toast, and cinnamon sticks.

"Less Smoke Incense: Hana Kanro, Scent of Lotus" An incense stick where the aroma of "Lotus," a special flower for Buddhist services, is blended by a master perfumer based on natural ingredients.
A noble and healing fragrance.
"Less Smoke Incense: Kiku no Hana, Rose-packed" The scent of the elegant and noble chrysanthemum flower.
Uncolored (black).
Blended by a master perfumer inheriting the tradition since the founding of the company in Kaei 3 (1850).
A purely domestic product from Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.
The burning time may vary slightly depending on how the incense is burned and the airflow.

2023/03/10 22:12:31#eba4e0a69523c411e67c7f58c50c8a69ff860d35