Birthday of Buddha
April 8
The Wise One
Buddha is the title people have given to the founder of Buddhism—one
of the world’s largest religions. The title Buddha means \”Wise One” or
\”Enlightened One.”
In Japan, the followers of Buddha celebrate his birthday on April 8. On
that day, in hundreds of Buddhist temples, children stand in line.
Slowly, they approach a tiny, open shrine covered with flowers. Inside
the shrine is a statue of the baby Buddha.
One by one, in turn, each child takes a small ladle and pours a little
sweet tea over the statue. Why? This is the way the children show their
love for Buddha.
This day is also known as the Flower Festival, because it is the time of
year when cherry trees begin to blossom.
Japanese children honor Buddha on his birthday.
