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Buddhism

Holidays and Regular Observances

What about observances related to the locality or indigenous practice?

In many parts of the world Buddhists celebrate New Year’s Day on January 1. The observance is not a specifically Buddhist tradition but has become associated with it through a process of syncretism. Japanese Buddhists observe the spring and autumn equinoxes on March 21 and September 21 respectively. A festival honoring the dead, called Obon Matsuri, occurs between July 13 and 15. Chinese All Souls’ Day, a parallel festivity, celebrated during the seventh lunar month, features offerings thought to assist seven generations of deceased relatives. A good example of an observance linked specifically to a single region is the celebration of Buddhist Churches of America Founding Day on September 1.