Good day.

I went to visit the grave (墓参り) today with my family. We usually visit our ancestor's grave, where my father also rests, twice a year on spring and autumnal equinox. We weed out, sweep, and trim trees and then put some flowers in front of the tomb stone. We pray. What do you think during praying? Nobody wants to tell nor asks you to tell. It's good we accept the praying as it is. Anybody can pray for anything. Since the act of praying is the same so we easily get the feeling that we are thinking the same. Rituals are good. It hides all the differences in its content and we can make friends. Rituals are bad. It hides all the differences in their content and we misunderstand each other.
Whatever the difference, we prayed, had breakfast at a restaurant, and came home. Definitely a good day. Thanks for being here now together with my family (+niece this time).