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GCSE Religious Studies · key term
A Buddhist festival commemorating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death, particularly important in Theravada Buddhism; also called Vesak or Buddha Day.
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Paper 1
Revise: Festivals and RetreatsWesak is particularly associated with Theravada Buddhism, while Parinirvana Day is especially associated with Mahayana Buddhism. Customs also vary between communities and countries.
Paper 3
A Buddhist festival celebrating the Buddha’s birth; in Theravada Buddhism it also commemorates his enlightenment and death. Also spelt Vesak.
Link a practice to its significance: lighting a candle at Wesak symbolises enlightenment overcoming ignorance, rather than simply decorating the temple.
Distinguish the occasions: Wesak commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death; Parinirvana Day focuses on his death and final nibbana.
For Theravada Wesak, name all three events: the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death.
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Wesak, also spelt Vesak and sometimes called Buddha Day, celebrates the Buddha’s birth. In the Theravada tradition, it also commemorates his enlightenment and death. It is usually observed at the full moon in May, although dates vary between calendars and communities.