• Food
  • Family
  • Beauty & Health
  • Style
  • SPA AWARDS 2023
  • SPA AWARDS 2023
  • Best Beauty Buys 2023
  • Food
    • Eating Out
    • Cooking Tips
    • Festive Food
    • Asian Recipes
    • Food
    • Celebrity Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Western Recipes
  • Family
    • Family
    • Deals
    • Parenting
    • Sex & Marriage
    • Travel
  • Beauty & Health
    • Beauty & Health
    • Skincare
    • Makeup
    • Hair
    • Awards
    • Diet & Nutrition
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
  • Style
  • Deals
  • Great Women
    • Career
    • Great Women of Our Time
    • Real Life
  • Entertainment
  • EVENTS/WIN
  • Subscribe
Privacy Menu
SPH Media

Copyright © 2023 SPH Media Limited. Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. All rights reserved.

  • Food
  • Family
  • Beauty & Health
  • Style
  • SPA AWARDS 2023

Family

5 Interesting Facts About Vesak Day All Singaporeans Should Know

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Family

5 Interesting Facts About Vesak Day All Singaporeans Should Know

Vesak Day is the most significant day of the Buddhist calendar. Here are five interesting facts about how it is celebrated here in Singapore

May 18, 2019

10-000-Buddhist-devotees-at-Hougang-Stadium-2-The-Straits-Times
Vesak Day falls on May 18 this year, and is the most significant day of the Buddhist calendar. Here are five interesting facts about how it is celebrated here in Singapore:

Text: The Straits Times / Sources: Singapore Infopedia / Photos: The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao

READ MORE:
10 Disappearing CNY Traditions That Nobody Practises Anymore
10 Fun Facts To Know About Celebrating Hari Raya in Singapore
12 Fun Bonding Activities In Singapore That Will Bring The Family Closer

https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/family/interesting-facts-vesak-day-singapore/
5 Interesting Facts About Vesak Day All Singaporeans Should Know
1. Its Meaning And Commemoration
image

The day commemorates the birth, enlightenment and nirvana of Siddharta Gautama Shakyamuni Buddha. It is celebrated by Buddhists around the world.

Photo: More than 10,000 Buddhist devotees gathered at Hougang Stadium on May 24, 2015, as they held lotus-shaped candles and prayed for peace in the lead up to Vesak day on June 1. National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who is Buddhist, joined the procession.

 

2. Different Date Each Year
image

The date of Vesak Day varies around the world depending on the lunar calendars used in different cultures. Generally, in countries following the Western Gregorian calendar, it will happen in May, or June during leap years. However, in China, Japan and Korea, Vesak Day is celebrated on April 8.

Photo: More than 10,000 Buddhist devotees gathered at Hougang Stadium on May 24, 2015, as they held lotus-shaped candles and prayed for peace in the lead up to Vesak day on June 1. National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who is Buddhist, joined the procession.

3. Ceremonies In Temples
image

On the day, Buddhists will usually visit their temples for ceremonies which will include prayers and offerings of candles and flowers. Other common rituals include bathing a Buddha statue, sharing in vegetarian meals as well as listening to teachings by monks.

Photo: More than 10,000 Buddhist devotees gathered at Hougang Stadium on May 24, 2015, as they held lotus-shaped candles and prayed for peace in the lead up to Vesak day on June 1. National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who is Buddhist, joined the procession.

4. Symbolic Practices
image

Releasing caged birds and animals is a common practice. For Buddhists, it is a symbol of liberation. But in recent years, eco awareness has also resulted in more restraint. This year, the National Parks Board as well as the Buddhist Fellowship have advised against the practice, pointing out that most tame animals let into the wild might not survive and those animals that do survive might upset the ecosystem in the wild.

Photo: Performers at a concert on May 15, 2015, organised by the Singapore Buddhist Federation to celebrate SG50 and Vesak Day. More than 6,000 people attended the concert, where some 600 performers staged art, song and dance acts.

5. Vesak Day Was Originally Not A Public Holiday
image

In Singapore, Vesak Day was made a public holiday only in 1955 after many public petitions. In the early decades of the 20th century, Vesak Day was associated with the Ceylonese community which then celebrated it along with their National Day in a two-day event. After World War II, there was a movement to make Vesak Day a public holiday, with the SIngapore Buddhist Association leading the petitions.

Photo: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledging the crowd as he enters the Singapore Indoor Stadium with Venerable Seck Kwang Phing (left), president of the Singapore Buddhist Federation (SBF), for a Vesak Day and SG50 concert organised by the Singapore Buddhist Federation.

  • TAGS:
  • Buddhism
  • Buddhist
  • celebration
  • Holiday
  • holy
  • lee hsien loong
  • public holiday
  • religion
  • religious holiday
  • singapore
  • The Straits Times
  • Vesak Day
SHARE THIS ON

What’s Hot

Family

6 Touches That Will Improve Communicatio...

Family

8 Signs He's Crossing The Line With Othe...

Family

The Best Kid-Friendly Hotels In Singapor...

Family

10 Ergonomic School Bags For Kids To Hel...

Family

10 Animals That Are Illegal To Keep As P...

Family

These Kid-Friendly Travel Destinations A...

Family

Hungry Ghost Festival: Things You Should...

Family

10 Reasons Why Married Women Cheat And H...

Family

10 Things To Look Out For When Choosing ...

Family

16 Celebs Who Have Opened Up About Their...

Family

10 Healthy Foods To Keep Your Child Aler...

Family

What Is Micro-Cheating And How Do You De...

Editor’s Picks
  • Sex & Marriage The Most Romantic Hotel Rooms In Singapore With Private Pools
  • Sex & Marriage The Ultimate Sexting Guide: 12 Sexy Pictures You Should Be Sending
  • Family 6 Touches That Will Improve Communication With Your Husband
  • Family 8 Signs He's Crossing The Line With Other People
  • Parenting 21 Water Parks And Playgrounds In Singapore To Beat The Heat
  • Family 10 Ergonomic School Bags For Kids To Help Reduce Back Strain
Don't Miss Out Ever Again!
Tips & tricks to stay sane + win invites to our events!

By submitting my information above and clicking "Sign Me Up Now", I confirm I understand and accept SPH Media Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy as amended from time to time.
Footer Menu
  • About Us
  • ADVERTISE WITH US
  • Contact
  • Conditions of Access
  • PDPA
  • Privacy Policy
?>">
SPH Magazine

Copyright © 2023 SPH Media Limited. Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. All rights reserved.