1. Buddha Day 14 May 2016...otherwise known as Wesak (Vesak)

2. When and Why do Buddhists Celebrate Buddha Day? Buddha Day is the most important of the Buddhist festivals and is celebrated on the full moon in May. It celebrates the Buddha's birthday, and, for some Buddhists, also marks his enlightenment and death.

3. How do Buddhists Celebrate? Homes may be cleaned and decorated. Buddhists will visit their local temple for services and teaching. They will give offerings to the monks of food, candles and flowers. Chanting and praying are an important part of the celebrations. The 'Bathing the Buddha' ceremony is often included. Water is poured over the shoulders of a Buddha statue as a reminder to purify minds from greed, hatred and ignorance. Gifts are taken to an altar to be offered to the Buddha statues. This shows respect and gratitude to the Buddha for his life and teachings.

4. What are the Traditions Associated with Buddha Day? In Thailand and Indonesia lanterns are made from paper and wood. Caged birds are set free as a symbol of letting of go of troubles and wishing for happiness. In China dancing dragons are incorporated too.

5. Why not try some meditation to calm your mind and prepare for the day? Listen to the music, close your eyes and relax for a few minutes, if everyone in the group is happy to do so. A Buddhist tries to do this everyday, perhaps for a few hours! Calming Buddhist meditation music! Calming Buddhist meditation music

6. Activities for Tutor Time Project for a few days – make a wesak lantern: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeekfzAoDgk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeekfzAoDgk Or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RicBoLpC0L4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RicBoLpC0L4 Shorter activity – make an origami lotus flower. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig48H2G_oiU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig48H2G_oiU (The lotus flower is important to Buddhists. Its roots are in muddy water but it emerges into a beautiful flower. To Buddhists this is like the muddled mind before achieving mental and spiritual purity.)

7. Tell a partner or your group... What have you learnt or what has inspired you about Buddha Day?