3 years ago
For buddhist, Dec. 8 is an important day of celebration.
Prince Siddhartha Gautama left his home in Nepal to search for the meaning of life. Seeing misery of old age, sickness and suffering he became profoundly affected and chose to leave seeking a more meaningful life.
After spending six years living the life of an ascetic, he still did not find what he was searching for. Because he could not find the answers to his questions from others, he vowed that he would sit under the Bodhi tree until he had answered his questions for himself.
On the morning of the eighth day came to several realizations which become the principles of modern Buddhism. It is a day much like the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus on Dec. 25.
To lay practitioners, a way to remark this event in Buddhism. Often, lights are lighted to remark the days of enlightenment. White or multi-colored lights are lit symbolize the numerous pathways to enlightenment.
The lights are turned on each evening beginning on Dec. 8 and for 30 days thereafter. A candle is also lit for these thirty days that symbolize enlightenment, and also lighted star is often displayed, representing the rising of the Venus.
In Buddhist homes, on beginning of Bodhi Day, these trees are decorated in many ways: with lights, strung with beads to symbolize the way all things are united, and hung with three shiny ornaments to denoting the Three Jewels — The Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.
A meal of milk rice pudding is significantly offered in this month. According to Buddhist legend, Sujata offered this to the Buddha upon his awakening which help him regain strength.
