Buddha’s Birthday
Published May 12th, 2008
Though Japan annually recognizes the Buddha’s birthday on April 8th with the celebration of Hana Matsuri (Flower Festival), the majority of East Asia traditionally honors the Tathagata’s birthday on the eighth day of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. That day falls on May 12th this year, which is today. The Theravada tradition that is predominate in Southeast Asia follows the Buddhist lunisolar calendar and will be celebrating the Buddha’s birthday in eight days on May 20th.
