During the summer of 1932, Seattle's first Bon Odori festival was held by the Seattle Buddhist Church (Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple). Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese style of dancing performed during Obon, a Buddhist memorial service. The joyful dance celebrates selfless giving and expresses gratitude to departed family members and ancestors. Over the years, the annual open-to-all event has grown to include flower and craft exhibits, musical performances, food booths, demonstrations, and other activities. Bon Odori is officially part of Seafair, Seattle's ten-week-long summer festival of neighborhood and community celebrations.
This image shows a group of children watching a taiko drummer perform. The children and drummer are wearing traditional Japanese clothing.
Caption information source: "Seattle Buddhist Church is dedicated on October 4, 1941," by Margaret Riddle, retrieved from https://www.historylink.org/File/10785.
ID Number: PI22450
Date: 1935
Physical Description: 1 nitrate negative : b&w ; 4 x 5 in.
