It was a sight unlike any other we've ever seen. 100,000 people, many of them dressed in traditional Hanbok clothing, poured through the streets of Seoul in a seemingly endless river of humanity. In a tradition that goes back over a thousand years, this celebration of the birth of Buddha involves carrying lanterns (bringing light into darkness) down one of the city's busiest streets, from Dongdaemun Gate to Jogyesa temple. The entire route was lined with hundreds of thousands of spectators, all smiling and waving and cheering for the people marching by.
The parade consisted of hundreds of groups, each with dozens to hundreds of people. Some groups did choreographed dance moves, some were accompanied by traditional Korean folk musicians, most were dressed in Hanbok clothing, but some were just large groups of people in everyday street wear and carrying lanterns to celebrate the big day.
I am proud to say that I can now read every one of these lanterns with ease. Sadly, even though I can read the words, I have no idea what they mean.
There was often a monk at the head each group of marchers. The Buddhist monks in Korea usually wear very plain grey cotton robes, but for this celebration many of them also wore a colorful cloth over their robes.
The youngest monk. Koreans are VERY into children, so this little guy was getting all kinds of cheers from the crowd.
There were also large lanterns - essentially lighted parade floats. Most of these were larger than life, elaborately constructed and beautifully painted depictions of important Buddhist icons. Many of these images we recognized from visits to Buddhist temples, but some of them (like the fire-breathing bird) were a total surprise. Our favorites were the animated ones: a giant lotus blossom that opened and closed, angels that flapped their wings and tails as they glided past, and of course, everyone's favorite, the huge fire-breathing dragon.
Fire-breahing dragons!
Flying angels.
Great dance moves.
Parades are better with dragons - don't you agree?
Well that just about wraps up our first year in Korea. We are enjoying ourselves tremendously, but can't wait to get back in the states to see our family and friends, eat western food that isn't Koreanized, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being able to communicate with ease. See you soon!
