The Boston Traveler

Tomorrow, July 17, from 6pm to 9pm, Forest Hills Cemetery will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its annual Lantern Festival. The ceremony is based on the Japanese Obon or Bon Festival, a Buddhist-inspired Japanese tradition that allows family members to honor the spirits of deceased ancestors and remember their departed loved ones. Residents of Japan have observed the family reunion-style custom, widely known as the Feast of Lanterns outside of the country, for more than a half century.

At Forest Hills Cemetery’s sunset version of the festival, participants set paper lanterns they’ve created and decorated themselves afloat on Lake Hibiscus. The lanterns are typically inscribed with messages to the deceased, and the candles placed inside emit a peaceful glow on the water as each lantern travels on its symbolic journey to the afterlife.

Although admission to the ceremony is free, a $10 donation per lantern is suggested. That’s a reasonable request for an uplifting event that will include music and dance performances by gospel singer Ron Murphy, students from Showa Institute and Chu Ling Dance Academy, and Master Tsuji’s Samurai Taiko Drummers. Attendees, whether participants or just observers, are also invited to hold picnics on the lawn while enjoying the performances.

Visit Forest Hills Cemetery online for additional information, including how to purchase advance tickets for the festival reception scheduled from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. In the event of rain, the ceremony will take place one week later, on July 24, instead.

Forest Hills Cemetery: 95 Forest Hills Avenue, Jamaica Plain, 617-524-0128

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