Higan is a week of Buddhist services observed in Japan at the spring and autumn equinoxes. Higan means the “other shore,” and refers to the spirits of the dead reaching Nirvana after crossing the river of existence. Thus, Higan is a celebration of the spiritual move from the world of suffering to the world of enlightenment and is a time for remembering the dead, visiting, cleaning, and decorating their graves, and reciting sutras, Buddhist prayers. O-hagi, rice balls covered with sweet bean paste, and sushi are offered. It is traditional not to eat meat during this period. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary