Guanyin's Enlightenment · Guanyin

Culture of origin: Buddhist · Cultural

Holiday sources: Buddhism

On the nineteenth day of the sixth lunar month Chinese Buddhists celebrate Guanyin's attainment of Buddhahood. Guanyin, the Chinese name of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, has three days in the year, all on the nineteenth (of the second, sixth and ninth months). On each, devotees crowd the temples to burn incense, bow before the Buddha, chant sutras, meditate, pray and fulfil vows.