Korean Culture Article: Buddha’s Birthday
By Kelsey Rivers
With the warmth of spring upon us, trees and plants are bursting into a profusion of leaves and blossoms. Flowers, however, are not the only colorful herald of spring and the coming heat of summer, for whimsically multi-colored paper lanterns that dance in the breeze are beginning to ornament the typically spartan grounds of Buddhist Temple complexes throughout Korea. Not only is this a sure sign of the arrival of spring, but a reminder to all that Buddha’s Birthday is just around the corner.
Buddha’s Birthday, known in Korean as either 부처님오신날 (“the day when the Buddha came”) or 석가탄신일 (“Buddha’s Birthday), is one of the most important holidays in Buddhism, and celebrates the revered life and teaching of Siddhartha Gautama, that is, Buddha. Although the exact date of his birth remains unknown and open to speculation, in Korea it is celebrated on the eight day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar. This year, according to the Western Gregorian calendar, the holiday falls on Saturday, May 14th.
As one of the most important religions practiced in Korea, Buddhism has had a profound effect on the country. Designating the birth of Buddha as a National Holiday is but one such minor effect of its influence, allowing both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike to enjoy a day off from work. Unlike Christmas, another (ostensibly religious) holiday which is now marketed in Korea more as a couples’ holiday than anything else, Buddha’s Birthday is a festive occasion that seems to strike closer to a religious foundation, with temples organizing events and activities that showcase traditional Korean culture, and inspire practitioners to reflect on their faith and their adherence to Buddha’s teachings.
From an outsider’s perspective, one of the most striking sights during the spring season is the displays of lanterns which begin to adorn temple buildings, gateways and surrounding streets in preparation for the holiday. On the holiday itself, these strings of cheerful lanterns tantalize passersby to enter the temple grounds to enjoy the festivities during the day, while in the evening, lotus lanterns light up the night, which are symbolic of Buddha’s compassion and wisdom as a light in the darkness of the suffering world. Lanterns play a central role in this celebration. Visitors to temples may attach a tag inscribed with their hopes and wishes to the simple lanterns strung up in temple courtyards, and processions of intricately-worked and elaborate lanterns are the main event of many of the spectacular parades organized in celebration of Buddha’s birthday. The soft glow of these lanterns truly contributes to the magical ambience of the parades and festivities.
Those who are not Buddhist can also participate in the celebration, as the temple grounds are open to anyone, and all are heartily welcomed. On this auspicious day, curious visitors may well be kindly treated to a delicious meal, perhaps “bibimbap”, a healthful vegetarian mix of rice and fresh vegetables, itself a seemingly culinary celebration of the end of winter and the abundance of spring. And with some luck, the air will be warm and the sky a clear blue on May 14th, so Buddha’s Birthday can be happily celebrated by Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike in the wonderful spring sunshine.