When Is Buddhist New
Year 2016? Mahayanas Mark Holiday In China, Vietnam, Korea With
Worship, Festivities
MICHAEL KAPLAN 01/23/16 IBT
In case
you missed the switch from 2015 to 2016, not to worry. The New
Year for many Buddhists falls Sunday, so you have a
second chance.
The date marks the first
full moon in January, and although not all Buddhists
celebratethe New
Year the same day, the holiday is
recognized by Mahayana Buddhists in China, Vietnam and South
Korea. That New Year is not to be confused, however, with the
better-known Lunar New Year in some East Asian countries, including
China and Vietnam, that falls on Feb. 8.
Not unlike New Year's
celebrations in the West, it's a time for happiness and
festivities. In some countries, the occasion is celebrated
with just one day of festivities, whereas others dedicate three
days to it. Each country has its own traditions, but there are a
few widely followed traditions.
New Year celebrations hold
religious significance, and generally commence with prayers and
ritual. Worshippers light
candles in temples and monasteries to show respect for the Buddha.
People often bathe Buddha statues and pray for happiness and peace
in the year ahead, and sing songs of praise for various
deities.
“Every moment holds the
potential for awakening, every moment in every circumstance,” Arnie
Kozak, a writer on Buddhism, wrote on BeliefNet. "Intention makes the
difference. So, make your intentions for the New Year. Open to the
sheer beauty and possibility of this moment."
People are also encouraged
to contemplate the year behind them and to set goals for the
year ahead. They often buy new clothes, clean and decorate their
homes and visit relatives and friends to wish them a happy year
ahead.
Not all Buddhists, however,
celebrate the New Year at the same time.
In Theravadin
countries, the holiday is marked by three days of
celebration in April. Theravada is one of the two major traditions
in Buddhism, and is practiced in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. As in
other Buddhist countries, people often clean their homes, visit
temples and exchange gifts and greetings with family members and
friends.
Buddhism originated in
northern India in the sixth century BCE.
Around 350 million people identify as Buddhist, and it is
one of the fastest-growing religions in the world.