Buddha's Birthday!  

Every year, on April 8th, in accordance with the lunar calendar, a lantern festival is held to commemorate the birth of Buddha. The unique practice of Yeondeung, meaning the lighting of the lantern, is a Buddha offering originating from Shilla Dynasty (AD 866). The Yeondeung event has a long history, and is enjoyed by Buddhist devotees as well as the general public. The event is a traditional festival, an important holiday, and a prayer for peace. The traditional lanterns are made in the shapes of fruits, animals, etc, and there are more than 40 different varieties. The materials are just as diverse, ranging from paper to silk. So, even if the lanterns look similar, difference exist in the atmosphere they give off depending on their materials. The lanterns also have different symbolic meanings according to their shapes and the patterns. Most lanterns symbolize health, longevity and rich harvests. The traditional Korean lanterns made of beautifully colored hanji, traditional Korean paper, and elaborate patterns provide a glimpse into Korea’s traditional culture.  The lotus lantern parade extends from Dongdaemun Stadium to Jogyesa Temple. The procession lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The lanterns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including dragons, elephants, pagodas, lotuses, and more. A total of approximately 100,000 lanterns form the procession, joined by delightful Korean classical music. All along the parade route, the streets are crowded with spectators.

Buddhism in Korea     Hanji     Dongdaemun     Jogyesa Temple     Shilla Dynasty     Lotus