South Korea is lit up with sea of lanterns as Seoul prepares to mark Buddha's birthday
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The South Korean capital Seoul is lit up in spectacular fashion as thousands parade though the streets carrying brightly-coloured lanterns to celebrate Buddha's birthday.
Although the exact date is unknown, scholars believe Buddha was born around 25 centuries ago and in Korea his birthday is traditionally celebrated on the full moon in May.
Legend has it that Buddha was born to a royal Hindu family in what is now known as Nepal and on the night he was conceived, his mother, Queen Maya dreamed a white elephant with six white tusks walked around her three times then hit her and disappeared into her right side.
Procession: South Korean Buddhists carry coloured lanterns as they make their way down a Seoul Street to celebrate Buddha's birthday
Happy birthday: Buddha was born approximately 2,557 years ago, and in Korea his birthday is traditionally celebrated on the full moon in May
South Korean Buddhists walk under colourful lanterns as they celebrate the forthcoming birthday of Buddha at Chogey temple on May 11, 2013 in Seoul
Before she fell pregnant Buddha's mother was said to have had a dream that a white elephant walked around her four times before vanishing into her right side
When she became pregnant, Queen Maya set off for her father's kingdom to give birth, as was the tradition. But Buddha was born along the journey in a garden beneath a sal tree.
Across Asia, Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated with colourful parades and processions with flowers and floats of white elephants. Miniature figures of the baby Buddha pointing up and down are placed in bowls, and washed with sweet tea.
The lighting of a lotus-shaped lantern in Buddhism traditionally symbolizes a display of religious devotion to perform good deeds and lighting up the dark parts of the world that are filled with agony.
Cheerful chap:A giant Buddha lantern makes its way down a Seoul street during the birthday celebrations
Twilight procession: Thousands of South Koreans turned out foe the celebrations
A lantern depicting a boy riding a cow is carried down a Seoul street as part of the Buddha birthday celebrations
In a flutter: Dozens of brightly-lit butterfly lanterns create a dazzling spectacle in the South Korean capital
Throughout the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties, this practice has developed and been preserved in many forms of public performances such as the lotus lantern service, a national-level Buddhist memorial service, and the lotus lantern parade.
In Korea the birthday of Buddha is called Seokga tansinil meaning 'Buddha's birthday' or Bucheonim osin nal, which means 'the day when the Buddha came'
Across the country many temples provide free meals and tea to all visitors
In Korea the birthday of Buddha is called Seokga tansinil meaning 'Buddha's birthday' or Bucheonim osin nal, which means 'the day when the Buddha came'
Legend: A float depicts the tree under which Buddha was believed to have been born around 25 centuries ago
South Korean Buddhists walk under colourful lanterns as they celebrate the forthcoming birthday of Buddha at Chogey temple in Seoul
Across Asia, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated with colourful parades and processions with flowers and floats of white elephants
A brightly lit float depicting an adult Buddha makes its way down a Seoul street
The lighting of a lotus-shaped lantern in Buddhism traditionally symbolizes a display of religious devotion to perform good deeds and lighting up the dark parts of the world
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