This story
was first published on May 12, 2014, and updated on May 25, 2015.
1. The day commemorates
the birth, enlightenment and nirvana of Siddharta Gautama Shakyamuni Buddha. It
is celebrated by Buddhists around the world.
2. The date of Vesak Day
varies around the world depending on the lunar calendars used in different
cultures. Generally, in countries following the Western Gregorian calendar, it
will happen in May, or June during leap years. However, in China, Japan and Korea,
Vesak Day is celebrated on April 8.
3. On the day, Buddhists will usually visit their
temples for ceremonies which will include prayers and offerings of candles and
flowers. Other common rituals include bathing a Buddha statue, sharing in
vegetarian meals as well as listening to teachings by monks.
4. Releasing caged birds
and animals is a common practice. For Buddhists, it is a symbol of liberation.
But in recent years, eco awareness has also resulted in more restraint. This
year, the National Parks Board as well as the Buddhist Fellowship have advised
against the practice, pointing out that most tame animals let into the wild
might not survive and those animals that do survive might upset the ecosystem
in the wild.
5. In Singapore, Vesak
Day was made a public holiday only in 1955 after many public petitions. In the
early decades of the 20th century, Vesak Day was associated with the Ceylonese
community which then celebrated it along with their National Day in a two-day
event. After World War II, there was a movement to make Vesak Day a public
holiday, with the SIngapore Buddhist Association leading the petitions.
Sources: Singapore Infopedia
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