How do you celebrate your birthday?

Birthdays

Birthdays are special times. People receive presents and cards.

They might have a party or have a special meal.

Have a go!

Do you know whose birthday is celebrated at Christmas?

Special Birthdays

In religions, birthdays can be special times too.

Jesus

The birthdays of the Gurus (the special leaders in the Sikh faith) are called Gurpurab.

Mawlid is when Muslim people celebrate the birthday of the prophet Muhammad.

Today, we are going to learn about the birthday of another special person.

The Buddha

Over two thousand years ago, a man called Siddhartha Gautama lived in what is now called Nepal.

Siddhartha Gautama was from a royal family and lived a life of great luxury. He had everything he could possibly wish for. Siddhartha didn’t know that some people lived difficult lives outside his palace.

Nepal

Siddhartha became an important teacher and helped many people.

He became known as the Buddha, which means ‘The Enlightened One.’

The Buddha

As Siddhartha got older, he realised that other people weren’t as lucky as he was. Siddhartha felt he should leave his home to find out what was important in life.

Wesak is the Buddha’s birthday.

It is celebrated on the full moon in May and is the most important Buddhist festival..

Wesak

People who follow the Buddha’s teaching are called Buddhists.

Houses are cleaned and decorated.

How Is Wesak Celebrated?

Wesak is celebrated in lots of different ways.

Buddhists may visit their special holy place, called a Temple..

People will pray..

A special event called ‘Bathing the Buddha’ happens. Water is poured over a statue of the Buddha, which helps people think about being kind and generous.

Gifts are sometimes placed by statues of the Buddha to say thank you for his life and all the things he taught people.

Wesak around the World

Buddhists live all over the world. Click on the map to find out how people celebrate Wesak in different countries.

• Indonesia - Special birds are released from cages.

• Thailand – Paper and wood lanterns are made.

• China – Traditional dragon dancing is done as part of the celebrations.

• South Korea - Lanterns made in the shape of lotus flowers are put all around temples.

• Sri Lanka – Special electric light shows tell stories about the Buddha’s life.

• Nepal – People wear white clothes and don’t eat meat.