While I was off traveling in China, Nancy took the kids to what would have to be one of the most interesting events since we have been here. May 25th is Buddha's Birthday celebration throughout Asia and a key event leading up to this day in Korea is the Lotus Lantern Festival which occurs a few days before the actual birthday. There are many different stories to the origin of the importance of the Lotus Lantern Festival but here is my favorite....
During Buddha's birthday celebration great kings and leaders vied with one another to give Buddha the most impressive birthday present. They presented him with elephants, treasure chests and all manner of exotic and expensive gifts.
One old lady had nothing to give so she made a lantern of paper and gave it to the Buddha with all sincerity.
The night before the Buddha's birthday celebration, a great storm swept through the region. The elephants ran away and all the rich gifts were destroyed. The only thing that remained was the old lady's lantern that still burned brightly.
Certainly the lanterns in the parade are more impressive than the simple lantern given as a gift in the story. But what amazing lanterns they are too. In the pictures that follow, be aware that all the floats are made of rice paper. Many of the floats are also animated. The dragon undulated and breathed fire, and the peacock folded and unfolded it's feathers and also breathed fire (apparently they have a different breed of peacock in Korea). Very impressive. Macy's has nothing on this.
Life in Korea: Lotus Lantern Festival
