The birthday of the historical Buddha, also known as Shakyamuni Buddha, is celebrated as Vesak in many countries. It commemorates the birth of the child who later became Prince Siddhartha around the end of the 4th century B.C. This auspicious occasion holds deep significance for Buddhists worldwide, although its observance varies depending on the school of Buddhism or the country. In several Asian nations, Vesak is observed on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunisolar calendar, which aligns with May 15 this year. However, in several South and Southeast Asian countries, it is celebrated on the first full moon of May, falling on May 23 this year.
Buddha’s Birth and Life
Buddhists monks clean Buddha statues ahead of the upcoming birthday of Buddha
Siddhartha‘s birth took place in Lumpini, situated on the border of present-day India and Nepal. His mother, Maya, was the consort of Suddhodana, the king of the Shakya clan. According to Buddhist tradition, Queen Maya dreamt of an auspicious white elephant entering her womb when she conceived. Various texts narrate the miraculous circumstances of the child’s birth, recounting how he was welcomed by the deities Indra and Brahma, and purportedly took seven steps soon after being born. Legends vary across cultures, with some suggesting that the infant received a purifying bath from celestial beings or dragon kings.
Suddhodana, eager to shield his son from the realities of suffering, secluded Siddhartha in luxury, hoping to groom him for kingship. However, Siddhartha’s encounter with sickness, aging, and mortality outside the palace walls shattered his sheltered existence. This profound exposure prompted him to embark on six years of asceticism in search of truth. At the age of 35, in Bodh Gaya, northeast India, Siddhartha attained enlightenment, earning the title of Buddha, signifying “the awakened one.”
Why and How Is Buddha’s Birthday Celebrated?
During this period, Buddhists globally not only celebrate but also contemplate Buddha‘s teachings and the essence of faith practice. Across many regions in Asia, this sacred occasion commemorates not only the Buddha’s birth but also his enlightenment and passing. In numerous Asian societies and among the diaspora, Buddhists visit their nearby temples, engaging in chanting, meditation, and day-long festivities. Homes are adorned with lanterns, and families come together for communal feasting, fostering a sense of spiritual unity and joyous celebration.
Koreas
Buddhists carry lanterns and walk in a parade during the Lotus Lantern Festival in South Korea
Buddha’s Birthday holds the status of a national holiday in South Korea. The focal point of the festivities in Seoul is the enchanting lotus lantern festival known as Yeondeunghoe, featuring a mesmerizing parade of vibrant, illuminated paper lanterns, often crafted in the likeness of lotus flowers, adorning temples and streets alike. On this auspicious day, many temples extend hospitality by offering complimentary meals and tea to all visitors. Celebrations within temple precincts and public parks include an array of traditional games and captivating performances showcasing various art forms. The radiant spectacle is deeply imbued with symbolism, representing the illuminating essence of Buddha’s teachings.
While Buddha’s Birthday isn’t officially recognized as a holiday in North Korea, Buddhist temples there have observed the occasion since 1988. In a notable display of unity, Buddhist monks from both North and South Korea conducted joint services in 2018, amid a period of easing tensions between their respective governments. However, such exchange initiatives have faced setbacks in recent years due to escalating tensions stemming from North Korea’s nuclear program.
China
In China, devotees partake in a bathing ceremony where scented blessed water is poured over a statue depicting the infant Buddha, whose right forefinger is raised towards the sky while the left forefinger points downward to the Earth. According to legend, shortly after his birth, the Buddha declared his cessation of rebirths, prompting the dragons of heaven to anoint him with pure water in a symbolic act of baptism.
Japan
Makha Bucha day of the Buddha
In Japan, April 8th marks Buddha’s birthday and is commemorated in Buddhist temples as Hana Matsuri, translating to “flower festival.” During this celebration, a quaint “flower hall” is erected on temple premises, adorned with vibrant blooms. Positioned at the center is a bowl of water housing a statue of the infant Buddha. Devotees honor the occasion by pouring sweet tea over the statue’s head. Additionally, a priest orchestrates the Kambutsu-e nativity festival, reenacting the birth of Buddha within the serene garden of Lumpini.
South and Southeast Asia
In South and Southeast Asian nations, Buddha’s birthday is celebrated on the full moon of the second lunar month, known as Vesakha or Vaisakha. This auspicious occasion is also referred to as Buddha Purnima, stemming from the Sanskrit term for full moon, “Purnima.” Festivities center around the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, adorned with elaborate decorations, where devotees gather to perform special prayers beneath the bodhi tree, believed to be the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment. In India and Nepal, tradition dictates the serving of sweet rice porridge on this day, symbolizing the story of Sujata, the maiden who offered the Buddha a bowl of milk porridge.
Visakha Bucha in Thailand
In Malaysia and China, the tradition of setting free caged animals and birds on Buddha’s birthday persists, rooted in the belief of accruing good karma. Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka, homes and streets come alive with the flicker of candles, along with paper and bamboo lanterns adorning the surroundings. Festivities are marked by the melodious strains of devotional songs, the construction of ornate structures known as “pandals,” the aromatic waft of burning incense, and electric light displays narrating tales from the life of Buddha.
In Vietnam, while Buddha’s birthday remains a popular festival, it no longer holds the status of a public holiday as it did from 1958 to 1975 in what was formerly South Vietnam. Nonetheless, the occasion is celebrated with reverence and fervor by devotees across the country.
Buddha’s Birthday, known as Visakha Bucha Day, is commemorated with profound reverence and lively festivities in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Within these predominantly Buddhist nations, this significant occasion occurs on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month, commonly falling in May.
Buddha’s Birthday’s celebrations
In Thailand, Visakha Bucha Day is observed as devout Buddhists gather at temples early in the morning to offer alms to monks and engage in sacred rituals like candle lighting and circumambulation around revered structures. A poignant highlight of the day is the “Wian Tian” ceremony, a candlelit procession where devotees walk clockwise around temples, holding flowers, incense sticks, and candles, while chanting prayers and contemplating the Buddha’s teachings.
Similarly, in Laos, and Cambodia, Visakha Bucha Day is embraced with fervent devotion. Temples are bedecked with vibrant adornments, and adherents partake in acts of merit such as almsgiving and temple offerings. Processions and candlelit ceremonies grace the day, symbolizing the enlightenment brought forth by the Buddha’s teachings.
Across these nations, Visakha Bucha Day serves as a moment for Buddhists to deepen their spiritual journey, meditate on the profound wisdom of the Buddha, and nurture virtues of compassion, generosity, and mindfulness. It stands as a jubilant occasion uniting communities in reverence and celebration of the timeless teachings of Buddhism.
