Buddha's Birthday

One of the interesting aspects of Singapore culture is that with the myriad of cultures and religions existing within a small space (the entire country is about the size of Washington D.C. and a population of 6 million plus) that there are not many days that pass without it coinsiding with a religious observance of some kind. And before you think that you might be able to categorize a religion (i.e. Buddhism) you need to rethink. There are a multitude of variations to the date on which an event is celebrated and how it is celebrated.

Intrigued and curious and ready to learn. I am thrilled that I live within walking distance of some of the largest temples in the city; and an easy bus ride to numerous more. I am constantly greeted by individuals of all ages and walks of life who are willing to answer my questions and talk to me about their religion.

This past weekend an event was taking place around our HDB (apartment complex). It began Friday evening with a seemingly simple carnival type atmosphere. Saturday presented us with a series of events that until this evening we could not explain. Mid afternoon numerous flat bed trucks were lined up in the street, decorated in festive lanterns, lights and flowers. There were several large groups of people in different cultural costumes mingling about (having organized numerous fair parades it did not escape notice that this was the line up for a parade... but the question was why) and while I was not hesitant to ask the luck of my selection were people who were not very fluent in English... and my Chinese (well if they followed the policy of Arizona I should have been driven directly to the airport and told to leave).

The departure time was mid-afternoon. It was later that evening when the real fun began when the parade had made its way back to our HDB in full splendor. Lights on and the groups were no longer riding in the trucks but were now Dragon Dance groups or bands (gongs, drums and pipes) as well as a variety of other individuals who I can only classify as performers.

Was wonderful to watch... but still had no idea as to what was going on. Today, as I accompanied the Singapore Youth Group from Mark's school to rehearsal I asked if anyone knew why such a performance. Evidently it is Buddha's birthday. Okay, so now I knew. Well kind of, but when exactly was when Buddha's birthday because according to my source it could be anytime for a week or so.... but a google search revealed the following:

On what day is Buddha's Birthday? That's simple. Just calculate the first full moon day of the sixth month of the Buddhist lunar calendar, which would be the fourth month of the Chinese calendar, except in years in which there's an extra full moon, and then Buddha's birthday falls in the seventh month. Well, except where it starts a week earlier. And in Tibet it's usually a month later. Oh, and in Japan, Buddha's Birthday always is April 8.

Evidently the full moon in May is the 27th; thus these parades and celebrations could occur anyday or all days this week. Which also explains why Mark has no school this Friday. Because in Singapore, religious events by all religions are acknowledged, recognized and celebrated.