Learning about the celebration Vesak

Year 1 have been learning about the Buddhist celebration of Vesak, as part of RE Week.

Vesak, also known as Wesak, is a celebration of Buddha's birthday and, for some Buddhists, marks his enlightenment (when he discovered life's meaning).

It is also a time to reflect on his teachings and what it means to be Buddhist.  On the day of Vesak, Buddhists visit their temples and give offerings of food, candles and flowers. There is chanting and praying, incense, music and colour. In some countries there are colourful parades through the streets.

Year 1 made their own paper lanterns to try to understand how important Vesak is to Buddhist people. During RE week they also made mandalas out of natural resources and created prayer flags with their own prayers written on. It has been a very interesting and creative week, learning about Buddhism.