Ascension : Kids Klub
Submitted by The Islander (Sarah Coverdale) 03.05.2007 (Article Archived on 17.05.2007)
Another Full Moon – another festival date. One that may not be so well known here on Ascension, but very important to Buddhists all over the world. It is Wesak.
An important festival because on this day the Lord Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and died. All three of these significant events fell on the same day.
UK and other Western countries, Wesak is often called Buddha Day. Buddhists go to a temple or monastery. They listen to a talk by the monks about Buddha's life and Enlightenment. They often repeat mantras and meditate. Many Buddhists give each other cards and presents.
Thailand, the Wesak festival is called Vaisakha. People listen to monks giving talks about the life of Buddha. The shrines in the temples are beautifully decorated. A special part of the festival is at night, when the statue of Buddha is taken outside. People walk around it three times, carrying candles. They pour scented water over the statue.
This recipe sounds rather yummy. You may need an adult to help you, but I think it should be tasty.
EIGHT TREASURE RICE (Babao Fan)
Traditionally this is served at any festive occasion. This rice must contain eight treasures or charms to banish evil spirits away. When the eight treasures are considered to represent the eight lotus petals of Buddhism, the recipe will include lotus seeds. In this case, the dish is known as Ba Bao ('lotus seed') Fan. The treasures may include sweet beans, dates, almonds, peanuts, melon seeds, raisins, dried apricots, walnuts.
YOU WILL NEED
2 cups rice 2 tablespoons margarine 3 tablespoons brown sugar any dried fruits and nuts
METHOD
1. Wash the rice and boil until tender. Drain and stir in the margarine and sugar.
2. Grease the bottom and sides of a pudding basin and arrange alternate layers of cooked rice with fruit and nuts. Press the fruit and nuts so that the colours will show when the dish is turned out.
3. Cover with foil and steam the pudding for 40 minutes. Turn out on to a serving dish and decorate with nuts. |
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