Lotus lanterns light up Seoul night

With just a few days left before Buddha's Birthday on May 17, more than 100,000 colorful lotus lanterns lit up the Seoul night on May 11.

Buddhists parade through Jongno Street, carrying handheld lanterns showing quotes from Buddhist scriptures in Hangeul (Korean alphabet) during a lantern parade in celebration of Buddha's Birthday on May 11 (photo: Jeon Han).

Held in celebration of the Buddha's coming into the world, the Lotus Lantern Festival or Yeondeunghoe is more than just a festival enjoyed only among Buddhists. It has now grown into one of the nation's biggest cultural festivals, attracting people from all around the world.

Designated as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 122 last year, the annual festival is considered the nation's oldest surviving cultural festival, dating back to the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 935). Since 1996, the festival has been held with a variety of events every year ahead of Buddha's Birthday.

The grand white elephant-shaped lantern passes by Jonggak Station in Seoul during the May 11 lantern parade held as part of the 2013 Lotus Lantern Festival (photo: Jeon Han).

With the 2013 Lotus Lantern Festival kicking off its three-day run on May 10, the lantern parade starting at 7:00 p.m. on May 11 climaxed the festival, with more than 50,000 participants including Buddhists, citizens, and foreign tourists in attendance.

The lantern parade started from Dongguk University, proceeding through Jongno Street onto Jogyesa, the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, a two-and–a-half–hour trek, amid the massive police presence needed to shut down 5.6 km of streets.

A magnificent ocean of subdued light from lotus lanterns filled the streets stretching from Dongdaemun to the temple.

Those who gathered to catch a glimpse of the parade exclaimed in awe, pressing their camera shutters, as the countless handheld lanterns and grand ornate lantern floats in various shapes such as the Four Devas (the four heavenly guardians of Buddhism) and Buddhism's highly-respected animals including white elephants, dragons, and lions passed by.

And the participation of foreign Buddhist monks from China, Japan, and Thailand, foreign Buddhists, and foreign volunteers who served as interpreters and guides for overseas visitors made the festival "more international".

A female performer performs a Buddhist dance on Jongno Street during the lantern parade stretching from Dongguk University to Jogyesa on May 11 (photo: Jeon Han).

Spotted dancing to the music played by the parade participants in the middle of Jongno Street, Cindy Branden from Colorado, America said that she happened to come out, only to find this big festival happening.

"I was surprised to find this majestic parade of lanterns in various shapes and colors outside", she said. "It is amazing and exciting".

"When we were waving, so many of the Korean audience who at first seemed a bit surprised to see us, were smiling and waving back", said American volunteer Hallie Bradley who participated in the lantern parade. "Since I've been living here for almost seven years and married to a Korean man for a year and a half. I've attended this festival every year, but this is the first time to volunteer as a foreigner. I met a lot of great people here and I am glad to see a different side of the festival this year".

Under the colorful lotus lantern floats, a group of Buddhists celebrate upcoming Buddha's Birthday in front of Daewoong-jeon, the main hall of Jogyesa, on May 11 (photo: Jeon Han).

After the lantern parade wrapped up at Jogyesa, the participants and quite a number of citizens and tourists held a late-night party in and around the temple. Under the meticulous and exquisite lanterns of various colors, they celebrated the upcoming Buddha's Birthday together until late at night.

For more information about the Lotus Lantern Festival, please click the website below.

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For more photos related to the festival, clickhere.

By Sohn ji-ae
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