Buddha Day 2014 (Hanamatsuri): 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.