For memorial day some friends and I went to Ala Moana beach park for the Japanese Floating Lanterns festival. It was incredible! They predicted 40,000 +/- people in attendance and they were right - it was PACKED! We spent the day at the beach laying out and eating ice cream, playing cards, and reading. I had the best dumplings since going to China. We ended the night at Denny's in Kaneohe where I didn't hate the food, which is great because now I can hop on the Denny's band wagon. I guess everyone loves it... It was a great day!
The coolest part was that the entire event was put on by donations. Everything was free and all of the volunteers were so kind and happy. It's the 15th year they've had the ceremony and it was incredible to see how much they put into this event! The live musical performances were incredible, the whole thing was put on very professionally and everything was organized and orderly. They kept emphasizing that they were happy to have people from all around, with different cultures, and different religions, and different lifestyles, all coming together to share this beautiful experience. And it really was beautiful!
Here's our lantern floating out to sea.
Live Simply
Give More
Expect Less
LIFE IS GOOD!
3 comments:
When I saw that picture, I said, "ooooohhhhhhhhhhh." haha So what is the tradition of this? What is the meaning of the writing on the lanterns?
That really sounds like an amazing day! I am living vicariously through you. EXCEPT for the Denny's. Eww Emily! haha
Love you!!!!!!
It's to remember those who have gone before us, and it also stands for peace and happiness in life; regardless of race or religion or belief. The writing on the sides is whatever you feel like sending out to sea! 6 friends and I all shared one lantern. Most of my group wrote messages to grandparents or friends who had passed away. Some wrote inspiring quotes. Some lanterns were decorated with leis or flags! It was really neat!
Oh that is really cool! I wish we did that here too. Miss you :)
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