Wesak – festival celebrating the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death

(Pronounced vee-sak)

To remember the meaning of the Buddhist term Wesak, use the following mnemonic:

Out of the Humvee they took loads of sacks (Wesak) and out of the sacks they were able to create a celebration of the Buddha's birth.

Wesak is celebrated on the day of the full-moon during the lunar month of Vesakha, which falls in April or May.  In many Southeast Asian countries, Wesak is a public holiday.

It is a very colourful and happy celebration. Homes are decorated and many Buddhists visit their local temple for services and teaching.

They give food, candles and flowers to the monks, and take part in chanting and praying.

In a 'Bathing the Buddha' ceremony, water is poured over the shoulders of the Buddha as a reminder to followers to purify their own minds from greed, hatred and ignorance.

Giving to people in need is one of the most important traditions of Wesak.