How in Thailand celebrate the day of the enlightenment of the Buddha

Buddha's enlightenment day (otherwise called Visakha Bucha) is one of the most important religious holidays for Buddhists. Millions of people are held throughout the world of this faith, and the day of enlightenment is considered to be the day of its origin and the foundation. By tradition, the holiday time coincides with the full moon of the sixth month of the year. To understand how important for Buddhists is this day, try to imagine the importance of Christmas and Easter Christians at the same time.

The day of the enlightenment of the Buddha is also called the day of the Buddha, as it is devoted to the three most important moments of his life - birth, enlightenment and care to Nirvana. Buddha is not the name of a person, but rather the definition of a person who has achieved enlightenment. And the real name of the Buddhism of Buddhism, a man who has formed this system of worldview and the worldview - Sidhartha Gautama. More than 2.5 thousand years celebrate Buddhists their holiday. Festive events and processions are held throughout Thailand, the focus of Buddhist temples.

By the Day of Enlightenment Buddha are preparing in advance: Buddhist temples are decorated with flowers, statues, bright woven fabrics. One of the traditional decorations are special lanterns - paper with wooden frame, symbolizing the enlightenment given to people by the Buddha. In the solemn day they are lit with the onset of darkness. In the temples, burning oil lamps are arranged, and the monks in the uneven light of the fire tell about the life of the Buddha, his acts and his students to everyone. Before the holiday, it is customary to send postcards with the image of the Buddha and his acts to relatives and loved ones.

At the very festive day, people who hold faiths are sent to Buddhist temples with offerings - it can be products or means of essential necessary, they are transmitted by monks. Also in the monasteries on this day they take new members, newbies are drawn to novices and monks. Parishioners sing mantras and meditate. All rituals are under the guidance of experienced mentors. The highest holiday point reaches on a solemn procession around the temple chapel. Each of the participants of the procession keeps a ritual set, consisting of flowers, fragile sticks and burning candles, so the procession is also called the candle.

During the day of enlightenment of the Buddha Thai, it is forbidden to work in agriculture, as well as harm any living beings - even insect. Immediately after the holiday for Thais, the great post begins, which lasts before harvesting, in Thailand is traditionally the end of October. Concerning the prohibitions and monks - at this time they can not leave the wall of the monastery and change it to another. This is explained not only by religion, but also formed historical and climatic reasons. Due to the characteristics of the climate of the road at this time of the year they are very eroded and practically not suitable for moving.

On tourists, the celebration of the Day of Enlightenment of the Buddha will not affect anyone, all public institutions are working as usual. Is that on the street you can meet a solemn procession, and in shopping centers may arrange a fair or a festive show for the guests of the country.