Jogye Order to Light Mireuksaji Pagoda Lantern for Buddha's Birthday
Symbolizing Healing, Peace, and Harmony at Gwanghwamun Square
On May 2nd at 7 PM, ahead of Buddha's Birthday on May 5th, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism announced that the 'Healing, Peace, and Harmony Mireuksaji Pagoda Lantern' will be lit at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.
The Healing, Peace, and Harmony Mireuksaji Pagoda Lantern was made using traditional Korean paper (hanji) at 70% scale (19.5m) of the National Treasure No. 11, the Iksan Mireuksaji Stone Pagoda. It conveys the ideal of the pagoda imbued with Baekje Mireuk faith and symbolizes compassion and peace with the message of 'Healing, Peace, and Harmony.'
This year, before the event begins, a moment of silence will be held to comfort those displaced by wildfires and to mourn the victims.
The Yeondeunghoe Lantern Festival is designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Jogye Order holds an annual lantern lighting ceremony to illuminate wisdom over worldly desires and pray for peace in the world.
This year, the Yeondeunghoe will light approximately 50,000 lanterns across Seoul until May 6th.
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