HISTORY OF VESAK
Vesak, also known as Wesak, Sanskrit Vaishakha, and Pali Vesakha, is one of the
most important Buddhist festivals, as it celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and
passing away of Buddha to Nirvana. The date of the holiday changes depending
on when the full moon falls in the lunar month of Vesakha, usually in April or May.
Devotees spend the day in services and practicing deeds and rules set by Buddha,
such as distributing food or releasing birds from captivity.
In 490 B.C., Gautama Buddha, or Prince Siddhartha Gautama as he was named at
birth, was born in Nepal to a tribal leader. Upon reaching adulthood, Gautama
created a sect of ascetics, which flourished into an entire religion after his death. It
is a common misconception that Gautama’s name was Buddha, but it is actually a
title, meaning ‘the enlightened one.’ Throughout his life, he focused on teaching
and spreading messages about peace, compassion, and kindness towards others.
Millions of devotees around the world practice Buddha’s teachings today. Vesak is
a special day to honor Buddha’s birth, his teachings, enlightenment, and death.
In 1999, the United Nations acknowledged Vesak Day internationally and
recognized the contributions of one of the oldest religions in the world, Buddhism,
in promoting peace for over 2,500 years. Vesak is also commemorated at the U.N.
offices and headquarters annually, alongside other organizations and Buddhist
communities worldwide. Traditions on this day include cultural song and dance
performances, public messages delivered by community leaders, and the
decoration of temples. Acts of kindness and charity are also practiced more so
than normal on Vesak Day.
VESAK TIMELINE
VESAK FAQS
Is a Buddha a god?
The founder of Buddhism, Buddha was an ordinary man who achieved the extraordinary
but he is not a god.
Was Buddha a real person?
Buddha, born with the name Siddhartha Gautama, was a teacher, philosopher, and
spiritual leader who went on to create his teachings as Buddhism.
How does a Buddhist prepare their home for Wesak?
People often prepare for the holiday by cleaning their homes and decorating them.
Temples are also decorated with flowers. When Vesak arrives, Buddhists visit their
temples.
WHY VESAK IS IMPORTANT
Highly significant
Buddhists all over the world commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing
away of Gautama Buddha.
Vesak reminds us to make others happy
During Vesak many practitioners make special efforts to bring happiness to the
elderly, disabled, and those suffering from illness, but it is also a time to give
oneself happiness by creating beauty through artistic endeavors.
It is above all a celebration of life
The gifts of flowers, candles, and joss sticks that Buddhists offer on Vesak are
symbolic of the temporary nature of life, and also a reminder to honor all living
creatures, so vegetarian foods are encouraged during this celebration.
IS VESAK DAY CELEBRATED IN THAILAND?
In Thailand, Laos, Singapore and Indonesia, Vesak is celebrated on the
fourteenth or fifteenth day of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar.
In China, Korea and Vietnam, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated on the eighth day of
the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar.
HOW DOES THAILAND CELEBRATE VESAK?
Most people will visit a temple today across Thailand. People dress up for this
important occasion – many of them in all white – and head to a temple before dawn
for the ceremonial hoisting of the Buddhist flag. Another important aspect of the
morning's festivities is giving alms to the monks.
WHAT DO PEOPLE WEAR ON VESAK?
Vesak Attire
Most practicing Buddhists will be wearing white during the festival. You are
welcome to wear white skirts, pants, shirts, and tops as well. Due to the heat, many
people on the streets will be wearing tank tops or shorter dresses
HOW DO YOU WISH A VESAK?
In this Vesak Day, we wish you and your families, peace, unity and joy on your
holy day. As Buddha said, “Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give
your whole heart and soul to it.” May you be blessed by Buddha, Dharma, and
Sangha. We sincerely wish you a fruitful and spiritually refreshing Vesak Day.
HOW DOES VESAK EXPRESS THE BELIEFS OF BUDDHISM?
While it is a time of celebration, it is also a time for reflection. Wesak gives
Buddhists the opportunity to think about what they can learn from the
Buddha's life. They remember his teachings, and spend time celebrating with
other Buddhists.
WHAT DO YOU EAT ON VESAK DAY?
10 Vegetarian Recipes for a Hearty and Happy Vesak Day Celebration
Vegetarian Claypot Rice.
Vegetarian Bibimbap.
Buddha's Delight.
Vegetarian Tofu Egg Burger.
Vegan Spinach & Mushroom Sushi Bake.
Roasted Carrots with Hummus.
May's Vegetable Spring Rolls.
Tofu Bun Cha.
Buddha's Delight
Perhaps one of the most apt Vesak day dishes is this Buddha's Delight, which is
traditionally enjoyed by Buddhist monks. Today, this wholesome and warming stew
of vegetables is a popular item in Asian vegetarian restaurants, and goes really
well with steamed rice
We like the celebration of vesak because of the colored, the lights, the flowers and
the beauty, also the importance of traditions and seeing the family reunited,
sharing and wishing only good things.
