The celebration of Buddha's birthday is one of the most important Buddhist holy days. It is an especially important day for Theravada and Tibetan Buddhists that commemorates the birth, awakening and passing away of Buddha.
It goes by many names, including Wesak or Vesak, and is usually celebrated on the first full moon in the ancient lunar month Vesakha. In the Western calendar, this day typically falls in May or early June.
The full moon in May is of great importance to Buddhists for several reasons. Firstly, the future Buddha, Prince Siddhattha, was born at Lumbini Grove on the day of the full moon in May. Secondly, after six years of hardship, he attained enlightenment under the shade of a Bodhi tree and became Gautama Buddha at Bodh Gaya, also on the day of the full moon in May. And finally, the anniversary of the Buddha's death falls also falls on the May full moon.
While each Buddhist culture has its own way of celebrating the day (which can be a different day in different countries), it is generally a time to reflect on the teachings of Buddha (enlightened one) and what it means to be Buddhist. It is celebrated amongst Buddhists in Canada as well as in India, China, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and North and South Korea.
To celebrate, many will visit temples, light candles, and pray before statues of Buddha. People also celebrate by freeing caged birds as a gesture of empathy and compassion for all living beings, one of the most important teachings in Buddhism.
Happy Buddha Day!
What to read next:
