South Korea is lit up with sea of lanterns as Seoul prepares to mark Buddha's birthday


By
Daily Mail Reporter
PUBLISHED: 17:50 GMT, 11 May 2013 | UPDATED: 18:41 GMT, 11 May 2013
The South Korean capital Seoul is lit up in spectacular fashion as thousands parade though the streets carrying brightly-coloured lanterns to celebrate Buddha's birthday.
Although the exact date is unknown, scholars believe Buddha was born around 25 centuries ago and in Korea his birthday is traditionally celebrated on the full moon in May.
Legend has it that Buddha was born to a royal Hindu family in what is now known as Nepal and on the night he was conceived, his mother, Queen Maya dreamed a white elephant with six white tusks walked around her three times then hit her and disappeared into her right side.


South Korean Buddhists walk under colourful lanterns as they celebrate the forthcoming birthday of Buddha at Chogey temple on May 11, 2013 in SeoulSouth Korean Buddhists walk under colourful lanterns as they celebrate the forthcoming birthday of Buddha at Chogey temple on May 11, 2013 in Seoul
When she became pregnant, Queen Maya set off for her father's kingdom to give birth, as was the tradition. But Buddha was born along the journey in a garden beneath a sal tree.
Across Asia, Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated with colourful parades and processions with flowers and floats of white elephants. Miniature figures of the baby Buddha pointing up and down are placed in bowls, and washed with sweet tea.
The lighting of a lotus-shaped lantern in Buddhism traditionally symbolizes a display of religious devotion to perform good deeds and lighting up the dark parts of the world that are filled with agony.