Have you ever heard of Hanamatsuri?
This beautiful Buddhist festival, also known as Kanbutsue, celebrates the birth of Buddha. Held every year on April 8th, it is an important occasion for many temples across Japan. During the festival, people pour sweet tea (Amacha) over a small Buddha statue and pray for good health. But why tea? And what else happens during Hanamatsuri?
Find out the traditions and foods associated with this special day!
What is Hanamatsuri?
Hanamatsuri, meaning “Flower Festival,” is a Buddhist event that honors the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Buddha. This tradition originated from ancient India, where the story of Buddha’s birth was reenacted. The festival has a long history in Japan, dating back to 606 AD, when it was first celebrated at Gango-ji Temple 元興寺in Nara.
At many Japanese temples, a beautifully decorated altar called Hanamido (Flower Pavilion) is set up with flowers surrounding a small statue of Baby Buddha. Visitors come to pour sweet tea (Amacha) over the statue as part of the ritual.
This custom comes from an old legend that says:
When Buddha was born, a nine-headed dragon descended from the sky and poured heavenly water over him to purify him.
Since then, sweet tea has been used in Hanamatsuri celebrations as a sacred offering.
The Meaning Behind Hanamatsuri
Hanamatsuri is more than just a celebration of Buddha’s birth—it also holds deep spiritual meaning.
According to legend, the newborn Buddha took seven steps and declared:
“Tenjō Tenge Yui Ga Dokuson” (天上天下唯我独尊)
This phrase means, “In the heavens and on earth, I alone am honored.”
However, this doesn’t mean Buddha saw himself as superior to others. Instead, it expresses the idea that every person has a unique and valuable life.
Hanamatsuri is also a time for praying for children’s health, which is why some temples hold a children’s parade (Chigo Gyoretsu) with kids dressed in beautiful traditional clothing.
What is Amacha? The Sweet Tea of Hanamatsuri
One of the unique aspects of Hanamatsuri is Amacha, a type of herbal tea that is poured over Buddha’s statue and also served to visitors.
When I was a child, I was always looking forward to enjoying Amacha at Hanamatsuri. It’s really delicious!
Amacha is made from the dried leaves of the Hydrangea serrata plant, which belongs to the Saxifrage family. Despite its name, Amacha is not related to regular green tea. Instead, its leaves are steamed, rubbed, and dried, creating a naturally sweet flavor.
Amacha is believed to have health benefits and is sometimes used in traditional medicine. Drinking Amacha during Hanamatsuri is said to bring good health and protection from misfortune.
I want to try it, too!
You can find Amacha online!
What to Eat During Hanamatsuri
There is no specific dish for Hanamatsuri, but many temples offer Shojin Ryori, a type of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Since Buddhist monks avoid meat and fish, Shojin Ryori consists of dishes made from:
- Seasonal vegetables
- Tofu
- Seaweed
- Rice
For more detail about Shojin Ryori, check the article below!
If you’re celebrating Hanamatsuri at home, you can enjoy seasonal Japanese foods like:
- Sakura mochi (sweet rice cake with cherry blossom leaves)
- Takenoko gohan (rice with bamboo shoots)
- Tempura of spring vegetables
These dishes reflect the beauty of spring in Japan, just like the floral decorations of Hanamatsuri!
Conclusion : Enjoy Hanamatsuri
Hanamatsuri is a beautiful Buddhist festival that brings people together to celebrate Buddha’s birth with flowers, sweet tea, and prayers. Whether you’re visiting a temple to pour Amacha over the Buddha statue or enjoying a meal of Shojin Ryori, this festival is a great way to experience Japanese culture and traditions.
If you’re in Japan during April, why not visit a temple and take part in Hanamatsuri? It’s a unique opportunity to witness a traditional Buddhist celebration and enjoy the arrival of spring!
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