Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Budha's Birthday Parade


Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle
And the life of the candle will not be shortened.
Happiness never decreases by being shared.
~Budha~


Budah's birthday is coming on May 9th. The celebrating has already begun.
This was an AMAZING parade. The pictures just don't do it justice. Everything was done using Korean Lanterns.
The Mormons don't hold a candle to the Budhists when it comes to parades celebrating their religion. This parade involved thousands of people carrying Korean Lanterns, incredible floats along with dancing, and playing drums. It lasted over two hours, so this is a long blog, but hang in there...
This may be as close as some of you get to ever seeing it and since its mostly pictures you'll be done before you fall asleep!


You just can't have to much of this guy when it's all about him.






The elephant is a symbol of the strength of the mind.
{Could be where they get the saying an elephant never forgets.}

Light signifies the stability and clarity of patience, the beauty which dispels all ignorance.

Musical instruments nature is wisdom, which makes an offering to the ears.


What's a parade without some pretty ladies?




Dragons have a ton of meaning, depending on what they are wearing, if they have a human face, if they can mate with humans, and even the number of claws on their feet has symbolism.
The short version is they protect Buddhism.
Although fearsome and powerful, Asian dragons are equally considered just, benevolent and the bringers of wealth and good fortune.
So you just can't have too many of these guys in your parade.


The Phoenix (or Bird of Paradise) represents peace and tranquilty.
"The bird of paradise alights only upon the hand that does not grasp."





I thought this Monk just looked so darn happy.

Of course you have to include the tree huggers.

This one is for my sister. She's not the only one that flies in a helicopter for a living.
Baby budha does too. Notice the round eyes :)

And evidently baby Budha's like Thomas the Train as much as my grandson's do.

That's your Budhist education for this week. Amen.

2 comments:

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

My goodness! Now THAT is a parade. Makes our balloon filled Macy's Day parade seem cartoonistic . . . especially when there are lanterns to be had out there. Who knew?

I loved your dialogue.

Sarah and Cory Smith said...

Wow. That is amazing. Thanks for all of the pictures and info. They have a big celebration that is like a week long in China as well. That is the event that we got to go over there for. I think it is there version of labor day, but it lasts a full week. Glad to hear about Carey and Eric. I think we might be there at the same time. I got on their blog and posted something about it. I hope we get a chance to see them. I bet Lily is getting big and even more adorable.