Celebrating Buddha's Birthday in Korea
May is known in Korea as the month of holidays. This month has Children's Day, Parent's Day, Teacher's Day and Buddha's birthday. Out of these only Buddha's Day and Children's Day are national holidays, or 'red days' as they are known in Korea.
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The birthday of Lord Buddha is celebrated on different days depending on the country which celebrates it. The birthday of Buddha falls on the eighth day of fourth Lunar month in Korea. Meaning thereby that the actual date of holiday changes from year to year. This year ie in 2017 Buddha's birthday falls on 3rd of May. The Korean word for Buddha's birthday is Seokga Tanshinil.
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Buddhism is one of the two main religions of South Korea. There are many Buddhist temples all over Korea and some of them are in the list of World Heritage. Buddhism arrived in Korea in the fourth century and quickly spread all over the peninsula. The most well-known Buddhist temples in Korea include Bulguksa in Gyeongju and Haeinsa in Hapcheon -home to the Tripitaka Koreana printing blocks.
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Most of the events of Buddha's birthday in Korea is celebrated in the week running upto Buddha's birthday rather than on the day itself. Buddhist temples are transformed into riot of colour. Those who visit the temples of Korea on Buddha's birthday are often treated to a complimentary vegetarian meal such as sanchae bibimbap and tea. Temples also host traditional Korean games and performances such as mask dances and acrobatic shows with tightrope walkers.
The highlight of the celebrations is Yeon Deung Hoe, also known as Lotus Lantern Festival originating in the Silla period more than 1,200 years ago and remains an important custom even today. By lighting lanterns at the festival. participants light up their own hearts as well as the world. In this way the celebration also offers an opportunity in which the participants can reflect upon Buddhist virtues, teachings, principles and life in general.
The highlight of the celebrations is Yeon Deung Hoe, also known as Lotus Lantern Festival originating in the Silla period more than 1,200 years ago and remains an important custom even today. By lighting lanterns at the festival. participants light up their own hearts as well as the world. In this way the celebration also offers an opportunity in which the participants can reflect upon Buddhist virtues, teachings, principles and life in general.
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