Obon Spirit Horses: Understanding Japan’s Cucumber and Eggplant Tradition
If you visit Japan in mid-August, you might encounter a peculiar sight in supermarkets, on temple grounds, or inside traditional homes: cucumbers and eggplants with wooden chopsticks stuck into them to form legs. Far from being a playful food prank, these vegetable figures are a deeply poignant element of the Obon festival. They are known as Shoryo Uma (Spirit Horses), and they serve as the supernatural vehicles for ancestors traveling between the spirit world and the realm of the living.
For travelers and culture enthusiasts, understanding the symbolism behind these vegetable animals unlocks a deeper appreciation of Japanese spirituality and the country’s unique approach to life, death, and family.
Introduction to Obon and Shoryo Uma
Obon is one of Japan’s most significant holidays, a period dedicated to honoring the spirits of ancestors. While customs vary by region, the general belief is that during Obon, the spirits of the deceased return to their families for a brief visit. The festival typically takes place from August 13th to 16th (though some regions celebrate in July based on the lunar calendar).
Central to the preparation of the household altar (butsudan) is the creation of the Shoryo Uma. The term translates roughly to “Spirit Horse,” but it encompasses two distinct figures: a horse made from a cucumber and a cow made from an eggplant. These are not merely decorations; they are considered essential tools for the spiritual journey of the ancestors.
The Legend: Why Cucumbers and Eggplants?
The choice of vegetables and animals is driven by a touching narrative regarding the speed of travel. The construction is simple—chopsticks or hemp reed stems are inserted into the vegetables to act as legs—but the meaning is profound.
The Cucumber Horse
The cucumber, curved and slender, represents a fast horse. The family creates this figure to help their ancestors return home as quickly as possible. The sentiment is one of eagerness and longing: “Please come back to us swiftly; we can’t wait to see you.”
The Eggplant Cow
The eggplant, round and stocky, represents a slow-moving cow or ox. This figure is meant for the return journey to the spirit world at the end of Obon. The family wishes for the ancestors to leave slowly, lingering as long as possible before they must depart. Furthermore, the sturdy cow is believed to carry the offerings (food, incense, and prayers) back to the other side comfortably.
Origins of the Tradition
The roots of Obon lie in the Buddhist event known as Urabon-e, which was synthesized with indigenous Japanese ancestor worship. While the exact historical date of the first Shoryo Uma is difficult to pinpoint, the practice became widespread among commoners during the Edo period (1603–1867).
Agriculture has always been central to Japanese life, and summer is the harvest season for cucumbers and eggplants. Using readily available seasonal vegetables to construct these spiritual vehicles was a practical yet reverent way for farming communities to honor their dead. It showcases the Japanese philosophy of utilizing nature to bridge the gap between the divine and the mundane.
Modern Culture: Evolution of the Spirit Horse
In contemporary Japan, the tradition of Shoryo Uma remains strong, though it has evolved with the times. In rural areas, families still grow their own vegetables to construct the figures. In cities, supermarkets sell “Obon Sets” that include the necessary vegetables and pre-cut sticks.
Interestingly, the internet age has birthed a subculture of “Creative Spirit Horses.” Every August, Japanese social media is flooded with images of elaborate Shoryo Uma. Some people carve the vegetables into aerodynamic sports cars or motorcycles (to get ancestors home even faster), while others create intricate mythical beasts. While traditionalists stick to the simple chopstick method, these modern interpretations show that the desire to welcome ancestors remains vital, even if the method of transportation has been updated.
Traveler’s Tips for Obon
If you are traveling to Japan during the Obon season, here is how you can observe and respect this tradition:
- Timing: The peak dates are August 13–16. In Tokyo and some parts of Eastern Japan, it is celebrated in mid-July (July 13–16).
- Where to Look: You generally won’t see these on the street. They are private items placed on home altars. However, you can see them at local temples, or sometimes displayed in the lobbies of traditional ryokans (inns).
- Supermarkets: Visit a local grocery store’s produce section. You will likely see displays explaining how to make the figures, often accompanied by hemp reeds (ogara) used for welcome fires.
- Etiquette: Obon is a joyous but solemn time for families. If you see Obon decorations or families visiting graves, maintain a respectful distance. Do not touch offerings left at temples.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the spiritual foundations of Japanese culture, consider exploring the following:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): While it does not mention cucumber horses specifically, this ancient text (dating to 712 AD) establishes the fundamental Japanese views on the division between the land of the living and the land of the dead (Yomi), providing the context for why ancestor worship is so prevalent.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Similar to the Kojiki, this text details early imperial history and the integration of Buddhism into the Japanese court, which eventually led to the establishment of festivals like Obon.
- Urabon-e Sutra: The Buddhist text that tells the story of Maudgalyayana (Mokuren), who saved his mother from the realm of hungry ghosts, serving as the origin story for the Obon festival.