We tell you all about the traditions and festivities of this spiritual day
To some, Buddha's Birthday is just another public holiday on the calendar, but to many others, Buddha’s Birthday is a deeply meaningful celebration – but what is it really all about? Keep scrolling as we explain the ins and outs of this important day.
RECOMMENDED: See what's happening in Hong Kong for the rest of the month.
Buddha's Birthday is celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, which typically falls in May. Since 1999, this day has been designated as a public holiday in Hong Kong, making it the only Chinese traditional religious holiday recognised as a public holiday.
Buddha's Birthday is a celebration that marks the birth of Siddhartha Gautama – most commonly known as the Buddha – who founded Buddhism. The holiday is a deeply spiritual occasion, where Buddhists will take the time to reflect upon the timeless teachings of Buddha.
Buddha's Birthday is celebrated in numerous ways throughout Hong Kong. One of the key ceremonies that take place on this day is the bathing of small statues of Buddha, which commemorates the belief that as a baby, Buddha's body was sprayed with water from nine dragons. This ritual is performed by pouring water over statues of Buddha, symbolising the purification of the soul, spiritual cleansing, and the washing away of negative energy.
Other popular activities include visiting temples and monasteries to offer prayers, make offerings, and chanting sutras. Some may also choose to enjoy vegetarian meals for the day to not only purify their souls but also to 'cleanse' their digestive systems.
View this post on Instagram
There is also a special delicacy called 'yin sai cake'. These little green cakes, typically filled with sweetened lotus seed paste or red bean paste, are made from Indian Pluchea and its bittersweet flavour represents the ups and downs of life. They are said to have healing properties that can help detoxify our bodies and warm our stomachs.
Buddha's Birthday is widely celebrated in Hong Kong, with Buddhist temples and monasteries bustling with activity. The most popular celebration takes place at the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, home to the famous Tian Tan Buddha statue – aka The Big Buddha. This year, a Great Compassion Repentance Service will take place during Buddha's Birthday from May 20 to 26. Other popular locations include the Chi Lin Nunnery and the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery.
Discover Time Out original video