Hanamatsuri, the Japanese commemoration of the birth of Buddha

The birthday of the Buddha is celebrated on a different day in each Asian country. For example, in Korea and Southeast Asia, his birthday is celebrated in May and in Tibet, it is celebrated either in May or June.

However, every April 8 in Japan, Hanamatsuri (literally “festival of flowers” 花祭り) is celebrated. This day commemorates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama in the Mayahana sect of Buddhism.  Fresh offerings of flowers are brought to Buddhist temples.

According to Japanese tradition, the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, was born in Nepal on April 8, 566 B.C. He was born the son of King Suddohana and Queen Maya. The descriptions of the scene at his birth include celestial birds singing, beautiful flowers, and a sweet gentle rain bathing the baby Buddha. On this day, the greatest of all sentient beings was born, who later became the Enlightened One, the Buddha.

The washing of the baby Buddha is an important part of this day.  According to legend, when the Buddha was born he stood straight, took seven steps, and declared "I alone am the World-Honored One." He then pointed up with one hand and down with the other, to indicate he would unite both heaven and earth. These seven steps represent seven directions -- north, south, east, west, up, down, and here. Mahayana Buddhists interpret "I alone am the World-Honored One" in a way that "I" represents all sentient beings throughout space and time -- everyone, in other words.

The ritual of "washing the baby Buddha" commemorates this moment. This is the single most common ritual, seen throughout Asia and in many different schools. A small standing figure of the baby Buddha, with the right hand pointing up and the left hand pointing down, is placed on an elevated stand within a basin on an altar. People approach the altar reverently, fill a ladle with water or tea, and pour it over the figure to "wash" the baby. Japanese people pour ama-cha (a “sweet tea”  beverage prepared from hydrangea flowers) on small Buddha statues decorated with flowers, as if bathing a newborn baby.

During Hanamatsuri, the Japanese reflect on the gratitude the teachings of Buddha and feel  joy that the enlightenment of the Buddha is with them at all times.