Lantern Festival

The lantern festival took place in central Seoul this weekend. This festival sets in motion the week leading up to Buddha's birthday. The day is filled with crafts, like constructing paper lanterns and flowers, and food and music. Our first stop was at the craft table where our friend, Aruna, was busy helping people. She had volunteered at the festival as a representative of her temple. After getting sticky with glue in the process of bungling a few lanterns, we decided to walk around Insa-dong. On the way to Insa-dong, we rested for a minute on the steps of Chogye-sa (Chogye Temple) where the kids showed off their lanterns. We also discovered that, on festival days like this more than any other, the kids are like instant celebrities. Really, the focus was on the boys and their friend. As we walked along, sat, ate--whatever--people snapped photos of the boys left and right. When we were in Insa-dong--a neighborhood filled with tourist shops and antique stores--a couple of girls asked if they could take pictures with the boys. I think I should charge money next time. After our model escapades, we headed to Peter and Aruna's house for a much-needed rest and some snacks and tea. After a few hours and a visit with some Buddhist nuns, we headed back out to the streets so that we could see the lantern festival in full-force.

Chogye Sa was absolutely beautiful--lanterns were lit and the atmosphere was joyous. The boys (above) struck their best power ranger poses. Because they are so darn cute, more passersby took photos of the boys. Oh--if only I had had my thinking cap on--cha-ching!! Dahin and Ronan paid 1,000 won (about $1) to give the baby Buddha a bath for his birthday. My friend Peter said it was a great photo op; he was right. Right outside the temple, there were a series of performances that took place at the tail end of the parade. We stood and watched drummers, dancers, and the floats. For the kids, the highlight was getting their own lantern and people helped to make sure they were lit. Inside each paper lantern is a small candle. The photos really don't capture the energy and beauty of the festival; you really have to be there. Oliver really had a great time watching all of the colors and movement of the evening. Above, he gets a lift from Peter so that he can see the sights better.

The floats were amazing. My favorite is the one above--Monk on Board!! How funny is that? There were elephants, peacocks, and, of course, dragons in addition to the many representations of Buddah. I wish I had a better grasp on Buddhism. I'd be able to explain the images better if I did. Maybe next year...
The kids looked like they were trick or treating with their lanterns. Above, we're watching the p'ungmulnori (drumming/dancing) troupe perform in front of the temple.

I must admit, the dragons were my favorite. The one above actually spit fire at random intervals (a little scary, but cool), and the one below produced a boat-load of smoke at one point. It was very, very cool.

The festival atmosphere was very congenial. It felt different from an outdoor festival in the States. At many festivals at home, there is a tension in the air and a lot of drunk people. At this festival, people were just very kind and kept giving the kids lanterns and buttons of baby Buddha. I must admit, it was very comfortable. Still, each adult kept track of a child. Aruna helped watch Ronan as we walked around.

The festival ended with a performance by a series of pop music artists. Dahin got to hear one of her favorite songs sung live at the event. Really, a total blast. As you can see above, people were having a wonderful time. Best of all--it was free! Ok, well, I can also say that, just as good, was the fact that the kids got exposed to a really fabulous tradition in Seoul. Dahin kept saying, "This is so fun!" and I completely agree.