08.05.2024 |
Awareness Days
Celebrate Wesak (23rd May)
Wesak or Vesak is an important, colourful and happy Buddhist festival celebrating the birth of the Buddah on the full moon in May (23rd). Homes may be decorated, Buddhists will visit their local temple for services and give offerings of food, candles and flowers. The ‘Bathing the Buddha’ ceremony is also often included where water is poured over the shoulders of the Buddha as a reminder to purify their own minds from greed, hatred and ignorance.
Giving to others is important and Buddhists make a special effort to give money and gifts to people in need at Wesak to spread happiness and good will to others.
Activity ideas
Try some vegetarian foods.
Make an Origami Lotus Flower.
Make a Wesek lantern pdf (bbci.co.uk).
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development – 21st May
Following the 2001 adoption of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, the United Nations General Assembly declared 21st May to be World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development to help raise awareness of, and celebrate cultural diversity. Much work has been done and continues to be done worldwide, to encourage individuals, communities and organisations to look at what action they can take to support diversity and inclusion.
Click here to read more
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development | United Nations