Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity- Republic of Korea

Yeondeunghoe (Lantern lighting festival)

Yeondeunghoe, lantern lighting festival, takes place throughout the Republic of Korea. As the eighth day of the fourth lunar month (Buddha’s birthday) approaches, the entire country lights up with colourful lanterns. Originally a religious ritual to celebrate Shakyamuni’s birth, Yeondeunghoe has now become a national spring festival open to all. Streets are hung with colourful lotus lanterns and crowds holding handmade lanterns gather for a celebratory parade. The annual festival starts with bathing an imageof the baby Buddha as a ritual celebrating Shakyamuni’s birth. 
This is followed by a public procession of lantern-bearing participants, after which participants gather for recreational events culminating in collective games. Members of the public can participate by carrying lanterns they have made to express goodwishes for themselves, their families and neighbourhoods and the entire country. Lighting the lanterns also symbolises enlightening the minds of individuals, communities and all of society through Buddha’s wisdom.

The universal value of the Korean lantern lighting festival was officially recognized in 2012 as one of Korea’s National intangible cultural heritage, and enlisted UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The related knowledge and skills are mainly transmitted through Buddhist temples and communities, and the Yeondeunghoe Safeguarding Association plays a notable role through the organization of educational programmes.