Every year on the full moon in May, Koreans celebrate the Buddha's birthday. The Sunday before his birthday Koreans make lanterns, say prayers and have a huge night parade with some of the largest and most detailed lanterns in the world. My second day in Seoul was this day.
Many different groups of people participate in the parade. Groups consist of old women, bhuddhist monks, Sri lankin's, children, teens, toddlers, drummers and many more. Most groups wore traditional Korean dress and all had their own type of lantern. However the most impressive lanterns were up to 30 feet long and 15 feet high. All were hand painted and made of paper.
The parade lasted for a little over two hours. One of the most impressive parts of the parade were its participants, many of which were senior ladies with lots of gusto and grace!
As in many Asian cultures, being a part of a group and working as a group for the greater whole is an integral part of life.
I would really like to meet the artists who paint these massive lanterns, and who knows maybe next year I can have one of my own.
FOO DOG! For good luck.
This dragon also breathed fire.
And of course many depictions of the Buddha....
This parade felt like just what I needed to welcome myself to Korea. Next weekend the celebrations continue at the Buddhist temples throughout the city. I am planning to participate as much as possible. Aside from a few places in America, I have never had so much time to explore a place. ...364 more days to go!
Foo Dog is awesome!
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