What is Hanamatsuri?

         “Hanamatsuri” (花祭りor 花祭), literally meaning “Flower Festival”, is a Buddhist holiday in Japan celebrated annually on April 8th to commemorate Buddha’s birthday. Even though it is not a national holiday, many Japanese citizens observe this religious holiday. Buddha is known to be an Indian prince who lived around 2,500 years ago. Buddha is one of many names, such as “Siddhartha Gautama” or “Gautama Buddha”. However, generally in Japanese culture, he is referred to as “Shaka-sama” (釈迦様). The name “Buddha”, meaning “enlightened one”, reflects upon Buddha’s great wisdom and virtuous spirit. “Enlightenment”, as defined by Soka Gakkai International, is “a fully awakened state of vast wisdom through which reality in all its complexity can be fully understood and enjoyed.” Buddhist teachings preach that enlightenment can only be achieved after committing to multiple lifetimes of selflessness.

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Sources:

http://www.sgi.org/buddhism/buddhist-concepts/who-is-a-buddha.html

How is Hanamatsuri Celebrated in Japan?

         Hanamatsuri is celebrated according to the Buddhist Calendar through memorial services held at temples throughout Japan. These services are known as the following: "Kanbutsu-e" (灌仏会), "Gōtan-e" (降誕会), "Busshō-e" (仏生会), "Yokubutsu-e" (浴仏会), "Ryūge-e" (龍華会), "Hana-eshiki" (花会式), or "Hanamatsuri" (花祭). At the services, there is usually a small shrine-like structure decorated with brightly colored spring flowers at the front of the temple. In the middle of the structure, a “tanjōbutsu” (誕生仏), or “baby Buddha figurine”, is placed in the center of a ceremonial bowl filled with “ama-cha” (甘茶), a type of tea prepared using a variety of hydrangea. When visitors arrive to the temple service, each individual is expected to sprinkle the "tanjōbutsu" with the "ama-cha", using a ladle also placed in the ceremonial bowl. This gesture symbolizes the bathing of the baby Buddha. At the end of the service, some temples will save the "ama-cha" and save it to drink as holy water.

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Hanamatsuri is held the same time that Sakura (cherry blossoms) are in bloom in Japan. Many Buddhists bring flowers to commemorate Hanamatsuri and celebrate the birth of Buddha.

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Families often celebrate by dressing up in kimono or traditional Buddhist clothing. Children dress in bright colors and wear 'geta.'

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The streets are decorated with white paper lanterns that have writing in black and red on them. Often, there are even floats that are carried by the men or on wheels.

http://www.bukkyo-nagano.com/hanamaturi/image/2_img0.jpg

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Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddha's_Birthday

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/attractions/event/traditionalevents/a70c_fes_hana.html

How is Hanamatsuri Celebrated Elsewhere?

Buddhism is the fourth-largest religion of the world and has a Buddhist population of approximately one-billion people. While there are slight variations to the practice of Buddhism based on where you are in the world, the idea of celebrating Buddha is the same all over the world. As was mentioned earlier, in Japan flowers are used to celebrate Buddha's birthday.

In Indonesia, once a year on the full moon in either May or June, buddhists celebrate Vesak, commemorating the birth, death, and the time when Siddartha Gautama became Buddha. Candlelight processions are common, both in Indonesia as well as other places in Asia.

http://buddhism.about.com/od/buddhistholidays/ig/Images-of-Vesak/Monks-Indonesia-Meditate.htm

Buddha's birthday is also very important in South Korea. It is celebrated with a festival that lasts a week and usually ends on the same day as Vesak in other parts of Asia. Seoul, South Korea is the site of one of Buddha's grandest birthday parades in Asia.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/05/09/buddha.birthday/

In China, Buddhist temples offer talks and ceremonies on Buddha's birthday. Buddhists visit the temples and burn incense, as well as bring food offerings to the monks.

http://buddhism.about.com/od/buddhistholidays/ig/Images-of-Vesak/Buddhas-BDay-China.htm

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_by_country
http://buddhism.about.com/od/buddhistholidays/a/buddhabirthday.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Indonesia
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/05/09/buddha.birthday/

Buddha Day in Hawaii

         On April 6th, 2014, the Jodo Mission and Buddhist community celebrated "Buddha Day" also known as "Hanamatsuri."

Front-side of Jodo Mission of Hawaii

         At Jodo Mission, we helped with various parts of the celebration. First of all the basics, we welcomed in the guests, and handed out the pamphlets for them to read, or to be informed of what is to be expected in the ceremony. We also helped gather the offerings from the many generous people who donated money to Jodo Mission, whether it be small or large, its really the thought that counts.

Offering Envelopes

         This year, guest speaker Dr. George Tanabe, professor of the Department of Religion at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, gave us an opportunity to learn about Buddha and his age. His talk about "How Old Is The Buddha", gave us an insight on a topic that, honestly, we knew near to nothing about. 

A mini-Buddha "alter" also known as a "Hanamido"

          Aside from taking a lot of pictures, and going through the ceremony, there was musical entertainment Dr. George Tanabe's talk. 

          Like the many others who were celebrating Buddha's Birthday at Jodo Mission, we enjoyed the time we spent there, and learned a lot, not only about Buddha, though that was the main focus, we also learned about the importance of culture not only in Hawaii, and how it can evolve, and change overtime.

Jodo Mission of Hawaii Pictures