This year is 2566th Birthday of Buddha. And after 3 years, I guess, South Korea holds a very big, cheerful, and stunning celebration. Every year there was a lantern festival that starts before the Buddha's birthday in South Korea. And the whole country is decorated with thousands or maybe millions of lanterns.
Some of you may say 'I am not a Buddhist, so it's not for me'. I am not a Buddhist too. But I think it doesn't matter which religion you belong to. The thing that matters is what is inside you, your soul, your feelings.
I like the Buddha's Birthday because of the peaceful atmosphere that it brings, because of its vibes, and because of all the beauty, it shows.
Due to COVID-19, we didn't have big performances for Buddha's birthday, but this year we celebrate Buddha's birthday almost for a month! And today I will show the smallest piece of it.
A week ago there was a lantern parade and later performance in Seoul. But I think I should dedicate a separate post to it. At least because it was organized by several Buddhist temples in Korea, and the preparation took 10 years! And I have several videos that I need to edit. I want to show them all, but I am worrying that you will get bored...
Most people when hearing the word 'lantern' think about small Chinese lanterns. And that is true. I mean those lanterns are lanterns. But that is not all that you need to know about lanterns.
Lanterns can be of different sizes, shapes, and colors...
Lanterns are not just the things that light the space.
Lanterns are the result of people's creativity and hard work.
Let me show you that!
Earlier this week I went to the Bongeunsa Temple which is located in the center of Seoul and is the oldest Buddhist temple in Seoul. It is close to my place, it takes around an hour to walk from the place to the temple.
I went to the temple in the evening, because I wanted to see the lights! I wanted to see the lanterns when they emit light.
Each lantern is different. Some lanterns are grouped together and show the scene of history.
Lanterns look so real! I am amazed by that careful work! The lantern's creators thought about each tiny detail!
In the evening Buddhist temples have a special atmosphere. And now during the Buddha's birthday celebration, the temple looks like another world where you can forget about your daily life and problems, and enjoy the moment.
I am sure that photos won't show the atmosphere of that place and the beauty of the lanterns, but...
So, if you will be in Korea during the Buddha's birthday which is usually in May, then don't forget to visit the Buddhist temple and enjoy the lantern festival.
To not overload you with lots of photos I showed just 1/10 photos that I took. :)