Hana Matsuri is also known as the Flower Festival or Buddha’s Birthday. Hana Matsuri is an annual Buddhist celebration celebrated in Japan and other parts of the world in honor of the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha and founder of Buddhism. The celebration takes place on April 8 each year.
Hana Matsuri: Origin of the celebration of the Buddha
The celebration of Hana Matsuri has its origins in the story of the birth of Buddha. According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama was born in 563 BC to a royal family in the kingdom of Kapilavastu, located in present-day Nepal. Legend has it that his mother, Queen Maya, gave birth to him while standing under a flowering tree called the Bodhi. Thus, this has become an important symbol in Buddhism. This scene is called “the Awakening of the Buddha” or “the Birth of Buddha”.
Progress of the celebration of the Buddha
The Hana Matsuri celebration is a joyful and colorful event that takes place at Buddhist temples across Japan. The celebration begins with a procession called “Shinno Kuruma Ningyo”. During which papier-mâché figurines representing the imperial family, ministers and musicians parade through the streets.
Buddhist temples are decorated with flowers and branches of cherry blossoms. This symbolizes the birth of Buddha under the Bodhi tree. People also bring offerings of flowers, fruits and food to temples to honor Buddha.
During the ceremony, a Buddha bath is organized. Worshipers pour water on a Buddha statue to symbolize cleansing of sins and spiritual renewal. Devotees also listen to teachings about the life and teachings of Buddha.
Meaning of Hana Matsuri
Hana Matsuri is an important festival for Buddhists. Indeed, it celebrates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who later achieved enlightenment and became Buddha. The celebration reminds devotees of the importance of following the teachings of Buddha. That is to say, compassion, altruism and the search for inner peace.
The festival is also an opportunity for Buddhists to reflect on their own spiritual path. But also to renew their commitment to following the teachings of Buddha. By bringing offerings of flowers and food, devotees show their gratitude and devotion to Buddha and the teachings he imparted.
Hana Matsuri is also a festival that brings together Buddhist communities. Buddhist temples often hold events for the holiday, such as food festivals and music concerts. The festival is therefore an opportunity for Buddhists to connect and strengthen their community.
Outside of Japan, Hana Matsuri is also celebrated in other Asian countries, such as Korea and China, as well as in Buddhist communities around the world. In these countries, the holiday may have slightly different traditions. But we celebrate the importance of Buddha’s birth in the same way.
