[Yonhap Photo]
The solemn ground of Chogyesa, the Buddhist head temple of South Korea's largest Jogye order in central Seoul, was filled with giggles of children having their head shaved. Some kids burst into tears after seeing their shaved head reflected on the mirror.
[Yonhap Photo]
Probably under pressure from their parents, eight boys aged from six to seven were ready to stay in the temple as temporary monks over a two-week period to mark Budda's birthday which falls on May 3 this year.
[Yonhap Photo]
South Korea's Buddhist community is now busy preparing for various festive events. At temples nationwide, Buddhist followers are making lotus lanterns symbolizing the lights which guided Buddha during his process of asceticism.
[Yonhap Photo]
[Yonhap Photo]
The lanterns carrying written wishes are hung in temples in the run-up to Buddha's birthday. The Jogye Order plans to display about 15,000 lotus lanterns in Seoul.
[Yonhap Photo]
The birthday will be marked with parades, sermons and various other temple events.
Park Sae-jin = swatchsjp@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
