On August 15, Japanese Buddhists observe Obon, a festival honoring the spirits of ancestors.

Also on August 15, Roman Catholics celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, when they believe Mary, at the end of her life on earth, was assumed into heaven, body and soul.

There are more Mary celebrations this week in Carthage, Missouri, where tens of thousands of mostly Vietnamese Catholics gathered for the Marian Days. (Originally broadcast September 21, 2012.)