Why Do Buddhists Eat Vegetarian Food on Vesak Day?

Vesak Day is very important to many Buddhists. Just like you may celebrate Christmas or Easter, Vesak Day is a major holiday for Buddhists. Vesak Day encompasses the birth/enlightenment, Nirvana, and passing of Buddha. Because Vesak Day is a day of peace and humility, followers are asked to spare killing of any kind, and so partake in vegetarian fare.

History

The idea to celebrate Vesak Day was formalized in a conference held in Sri Lanka in 1950. However, it had been celebrated unofficially for centuries. The holiday itself is celebrated slightly differently among Buddhists across the world, but its significance remains the same.

Significance

The significance of Vesak Day constitutes the meaning of transcendence and "crossing over". This is somewhat similar to the birth and passing of Christ in Christian religions. Vesak Day is one of the primary festival holidays for Buddhists across the world.

Function/Purpose

The idea of Vesak Day is to celebrate the birth, Nirvana and the passing of Buddha and the bringing of happiness to others, especially to the unfortunate and aged. The idea is also to pay homage to the Buddha; to develop one's mind, to lead a productive life and to prove your eternal kindness.

Features

May is the time of year for Vesak Day for Buddhists. On Vesak Day, followers gather in their appointed temples just before dawn as the Buddhist flag is hoisted high. They then sing hymns to praise what they call the triple gem: The Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. Followers may also bring flowers and light candles at the feet of their teacher to remind everyone that even as candles burn out, so does life in every one of us.

Considerations

The idea of Vesak Day is that Buddhists try to lead a noble life by taking time each day to affirm what they call the Ten Precepts. There are also additional disciplines to learn in morality, practicality and humility. All of these things are very important to Buddhists and no less important than the praise to Buddha himself.

Misconceptions

While many may consider Vesak Day a Muslim holiday, it is actually of the Buddhist religion, which if far removed from the Muslim religion.

Benefits

The greatest part about Vesak Day for Buddhists is that it celebrates life and happiness as well as your wishes for the happiness of others. Not only is this a peaceful holiday, but all killing is avoided, and forgiveness given even for some prisoners who are in jail. Vesak Day helps to show the leniency and love of peace that pervades the Buddhist religion.