What is Bon Odori?

Bon Odori is a simple folk dance where people dance in the shrines or festivals. It is considered to be very simple. "The dance consists of simple, monot-onous steps and clapping of hands; common folk songs are sung"(Ashikaga, 225). It is usually accompanied with instruments such as the Taiko(Japanese drums). Anyone can participate whether you are young or old or wearing a nice yukata or just regular clothing. Since Bon-odori was a ceremonial dance, the clapping of the hands means worship or joining the hands in prayer(Ashikaga, 227).