仏壇 ぶつだん butsudan
The butsudan, or Family Altar, is a religion space in a house where earlier generations – immediate family members who have passed away – are remembered and honoured. This is a family’s personal cultural expression and therefore varies widely from family to family. The butsudan has its origins in the Buddhist religion. Another religious space that has its origins in the Japanese Shinto religion is called ‘Kamidana‘ (see kamidana page on this website).
仏壇 ぶつだん butsudan
仏壇 ぶつだん butsudan
There are many different kinds of butsudan as this depends on the individual families. Often butsudan are built into a house and as several generations live in the same house, the butsudan gains antique status. In a butsudan family photos may be displayed, as may be ashes of those family members passed before, or small mementos. Of course, ashes may be more problematic, so they may also be kept at a local cemetery plot. Again this depends on the individual family. As you can see from the photos, flowers and fruits may be offered symbolically as a sign of respect and affection.
仏壇 ぶつだん butsudan
In a western household perhaps one does not find an altar-looking structure, but religious crosses, photos of family members passed away, flowers for those who are remembered and mementos are certainly more commonly displayed. Jewish families, Hindu families and Muslim families each have their own cultural ways of paying respect and remember those to whom they owe gratitude. This cultural expression is closely related to the family’s overall religious views and observances.
仏壇 ぶつだん butsudan
仏壇 ぶつだん butsudan
仏壇 ぶつだん butsudan
仏壇 ぶつだん butsudan
仏壇 ぶつだん butsudan
Sometimes western visitors have strong feelings regarding a butsudan. This is again a personal expression and should be kept to oneself. Overriding any cultural practices are the fundamental principles of personal choice and hospitality. You need not join in, but you should maintain decorum.
In western households one also finds a range of religious observances and views that are as different and diverse as one can imagine. The overriding guiding principles for both sides: do not offend by intruding or insisting.
仏壇 ぶつだん butsudan
仏壇 ぶつだん butsudan
Lami Japan 
