Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Spreading light ...
By Marisa de Silva
Most of us, regardless of race or religion celebrate Vesak in some way or another. More often than not, it’s via the colourful display of lights, that seems to intrigue most during this season. So much so, that hundreds of people pour into the city from all parts of the country, just to witness the lights of Vesak.

Lanterns of various shapes, sizes and colours, line almost every porch of every home in our country - gaily swaying in the breeze and lighting up the night! From the time I was a kid, I remember how buying Vesak lanterns (more commonly known as “buckets”) was always an exciting task. As children, we paid a lot of attention to selecting buckets, by coordinating colours and shapes etc., and even when it came lighting them and hanging them outside our house, it was always a family thing to go outside and light the lanterns.

However, until now, we never knew the religious significance behind the lighting of these lanterns. I think, it’s because we never really questioned it and simply did it for the fascination of it all, rather than for what it symbolised.

However, I did do some research as to why there was so much light associated with this festival. I was told by a fellow Buddhist co-worker that the lights aspect of Vesak falls under the title Amisa Pooja which refer to the more material offerings made to the memory of Lord Buddha – as opposed to the Prathipatthi Pooja which is more to do with living according to the Buddha’s teaching of the Dhamma.

It has been said that in ancient times, people used their clay oil lamps for illumination and as time went on and candles became popular, colourful lanterns were made in different shapes and were lit up with candles. Some even say that all temples are adorned with the light of lamps which symbolise the Buddha’s enlightenment.

The origin of Vesak thoranas or pandols, bearing colourful pictures depicting the Buddha’s life story and previous births, became popular in cities and suburbs when electric jets were used to attract the attention of the devotees and sightseers who went to see them in the night.

So, after all these years I finally understand why people light lanterns for Vesak and that it’s not merely decorative but to most, has a deeper meaning and fulfills a greater purpose…

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