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More than half of Vietnam's population practices Buddhism in some form. As a result, it's no surprise that Buddha's Birthday is regarded as one of Vietnam's most important religious and national festivals. So, when is Buddha's birthday, and what does it mean?
When is Buddha's birthday?
Buddha's Birthday commemorates the day when Buddha first appeared in the world. Countries following the Northern Tong tradition (such as China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam) used to celebrate Buddha's Birthday on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month.
The countries according to Theravada tradition will celebrate on April 15 (the full moon of the fourth lunar month). However, at the first World Buddhist Congress held in Tich Lan in 1950, 26 Buddhist delegations from the member countries agreed to choose the full moon day of the fourth lunar month every year (April 15) as International Buddha's Birthday.
The eighth day of the fourth lunar month is Buddha's birthday.
The United Nations has recognized Buddha's birthday, April 15 (lunar calendar), as a world cultural and spiritual festival since 1999. Buddha's Birthday is one of three major Buddhist holidays (the others being Vu Lan and Enlightenment). Buddha's Birthday is one of the three major ceremonies that comprise the United Nations' Three Unions Festival known as Vesak (Buddha's Birthday, Buddha's Enlightenment, and Buddha's Nirvana).
According to the ancient Indian dharma calendar, Buddha was born on the full moon day of the month Vesak (or Vaiśākha), which corresponds to the full moon month of the fourth lunar month, the fifth lunar month. As a result, Buddha's birthday is usually celebrated in one week. It is also held for one week in Vietnam, starting from the 8th of April to the full moon of the fourth lunar month.
The United Nations has recognized Buddha's birthday as a world cultural and spiritual festival since 1999
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The Meaning of Buddha's Birthday
On holidays, Buddhists frequently honor the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha (by offering offerings, giving flowers, and attending lectures), as well as practicing vegetarianism, keeping the Five Precepts, practicing giving and doing charity work, and giving gifts and money to the poor in the community.
Buddhism has traditionally organized a solemn and respectful celebration of Buddha's birthday in Vietnam. The main ceremony is held on the fifteenth day of the fourth lunar month, and the province churches, as well as the pagodas and viharas, frequently organize activities to celebrate the great holiday, such as: making a platform to organize cultural programs, parade floats, releasing lanterns on the river, lectures on the Buddhadharma, Buddha bathing rituals... so that the Buddha's children commemorate the anniversary of the Buddha's birth, the Buddha brought the light of truth to life.
On Buddha's Birthday, Buddhists do not kill, everyone is a vegetarian, cleans the house, and beautifully decorates the Buddha's altar. Buddhists can go to the temple to do meritorious deeds, listen to life lectures, and reflect on their own actions to purify their souls.
On Buddha's Birthday, Buddhists do not kill, everyone is a vegetarian, cleans the house
Furthermore, before and during the Great Festival, the Buddhist Churches of the provinces and temples actively organize charity activities, as well as visits and gifts to prestigious and meritorious monks, nuns, and Buddhists. with Dharma or families in difficult circumstances, disabled people...
Through these activities, each Buddha has the opportunity to recognize his or her role in the responsibility of building society, of building an increasingly prosperous and happy country in accordance with Buddhism's motto "live a good life, beautiful religion."
Hopefully, the information provided above will help you better understand Buddha's birthday and gain a new perspective on Vietnamese culture and religion. Buddha's Birthday 2023 promises to be one of the solemn events that a large number of Buddhists are looking forward to. Let's learn more about Vietnam by taking advantage of appealing and intriguing Vietnam tour packages.
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