Buddhism Harvest Festival

By Erynn, Charlie and Sonya

Introduction

In RME this term we have been learning about Buddhism. So Mr Pietri thought it would be a good idea to do a project on the Buddhist Harvest Festival and compare our differences.

The Ploughing FestivalThis festival happens in May when the moon is half full. Instead of celebrating at the end they celebrate when they plough the ground. At the festival two white oxen pull a gold painted plough. Which is then followed by four girls dressed in white. They scatter rice seeds from gold and silver baskets. This is to celebrate Prince Gautama’s (or the Buddha) first moment of enlightenment.

The story of the Ploughing Festival

One day Prince Gautama was taken to the ploughing festival by his father when he was 7 years of age. An annual ploughing festival was held when the rice fields were being ploughed. The Prince fell asleep so the maids left him to sleep and went to join in with the festival.

When he woke up he found himself alone. Instead of being scared he started meditating. Once the maids returned they were surprised to find him meditating. The maid straight away informed the King, he was also surprised and impressed. He saluted his son and said “This, dear child is my second salutation”.