Buddha's Birthday

Buddha's Birthday, known as "Seokga Tansinil" in South Korea, celebrates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. While the exact date varies by lunar calendar, in South Korea it's typically celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, falling on July 28th in 2025.

The celebration traces back to ancient times when Buddhism first reached the Korean peninsula during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE-935 CE). During its golden age in the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), Buddha's Birthday became one of the most significant cultural and religious celebrations in Korea.

The most spectacular aspect of the modern celebration is the Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe), which has been designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property. In the weeks leading up to Buddha's Birthday, temples across the country are decorated with countless colorful paper lanterns. The highlight is the evening lantern parade in Seoul, where thousands of participants carry illuminated lanterns through the streets, creating a mesmerizing river of light.

Traditional celebrations begin with the ritual of "bathing the Buddha," where devotees pour scented water over small statues of the infant Buddha, symbolizing spiritual purification. Temples offer free tea and vegetarian meals to visitors, regardless of their religious beliefs, embodying the Buddhist principles of generosity and compassion.

While Buddhism is no longer the dominant religion in South Korea, Buddha's Birthday remains a national holiday that transcends religious boundaries. Many non-Buddhists participate in the festivities, viewing it as a cultural celebration that promotes peace and harmony. The holiday has evolved into a spring festival that attracts tourists and showcases Korean cultural heritage.

Compared to other Asian countries, South Korea's celebration is particularly notable for its lantern festival, which is larger and more elaborate than similar celebrations in Japan or Taiwan. While Thailand's Vesak celebrations might be more strictly religious, South Korea's interpretation balances religious significance with cultural festivity, making it accessible to everyone.

An interesting modern development is the incorporation of environmental awareness into the celebrations, with many temples now using LED lights in their lanterns and promoting eco-friendly practices, showing how ancient traditions can adapt to contemporary concerns while maintaining their cultural essence.