Theravada New Year 2023: Theravada Every year, the New Year is celebrated three days after the first full moon in April, and this year, the date will be April 6. This day commemorates the birth, death, enlightenment, and beginning of the rainy season of Buddha. It’s known by many names, such as Songkran in Central Thailand, Pi Mai in Northern Thailand, Choul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia, and Boun Pi Mai in Laos. It is considered the most important holiday of the year, comparable to the Western New Year’s celebration. Continue reading to learn more about this unique holiday.
HISTORY OF THERAVADA NEW YEAR
Buddhism is an ancient religion that dates back thousands of years. Buddhism has numerous traditions and beliefs, but they can be categorised into two major schools: Mahayana and Theravada. Both adhere to the Buddhist doctrines of karma, dharma, rebirth, nirvana, the Eightfold Path, and the Four Noble Truths.
Theravada literally translates as “the teaching of the elders.” It’s prevalent in South East Asian countries such as Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Additionally, minority groups in China, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, and Vietnam practise it. Through deep reflection, its teachings promote knowledge, discipline, and critical reasoning. A number of its traditions come from the Pali Canon, the oldest recorded Buddhist text. The seven stages of purification form the basis of the Buddhist path, including the purification of conduct, the mind, and the knowledge that leads to nirvana, or a state of peace, which is Buddhism’s ultimate goal. The Theravada New Year is observed between mid- to late-spring. April is the month of celebration in places where Theravada Buddhism is the prominent religion. It marks the end of the lunisolar calendar and the beginning of a new era. It is observed for three days beginning with the April full moon.
Water plays a significant role in its observance because it symbolises purity. Water is used symbolically to cleanse homes, statues, and temples in preparation for the New Year. People visit local temples in the morning to meditate and chant. Additionally, it has become a tourist attraction in Thailand and Myanmar. For street parties, live music, traditional songs, colourful floats, local foods, parades, and water fights, people flock to the cities. Regardless of where or how it is observed, the essence should not be forgotten.
President Ntaryamira Day 2023: Date, History, Activities, Significance and Facts
National Teflon Day 2023: Date, History, Activities and Fascinating Facts
Fresh Tomato Day 2023: Date, History, Activities and Interesting Facts
HOW TO OBSERVE THERAVADA NEW YEAR
Treat others with courtesy.
Karma is a central concept in Buddhism, which promotes kindness towards others in exchange for reciprocity. We should be kind to others every day, not just today.
Construct sandcastles
Visit a beach or riverbank and construct a sandcastle. Consider your life’s errors and how you can improve as you make them. The waves will wash away both the sandcastle and your wrongdoings, leaving you a better person.
Release captive animals
Kindness should be shown to captive creatures, and they should be set free. Purchase live fish and then release them into the ocean or a river. Purchase captured birds and set them free.
5 SYMBOLS IN BUDDHISM
Lotus Blossom
The flower that emerges from murky water symbolises the path to enlightenment.
Spinning Dharma
The round shape symbolises the perfection of Buddha’s teachings, while the rim represents meditative concentration and the hub represents moral discipline.
‘Om’ Symbol
This is the universe’s essence and the ultimate reality.
Riderless Horse
It represents the young Buddha’s flight from his father’s palace in order to embark on a journey to a new existence.
Swastika
It depicts Buddha’s feet or footprints in Sanskrit text.
WHY THE THAI NEW YEAR IS VITAL
It prompts us to ponder
This is a time of jubilant celebration. It is also a time to reflect on your errors and how you can improve.
Buddhism altered the organisation of communities.
In a variety of ways, many of the taught concepts were novel. It provided opportunities for women, challenged social hierarchy, and gave members of all social classes a role in spiritual practise.
It is considered more than a religion.
Numerous individuals believe that Buddhism is not merely a religion. They consider it a spiritual tradition or a way of life.
THERAVADA NEW YEAR DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 16 | Saturday |
| 2023 | April 6 | Thursday |
| 2024 | April 24 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | April 13 | Sunday |
| 2026 | April 2 | Thursday |
