What is Hanamatsuri?

　“Hanamatsuri” is an annual celebration of the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

　“Hana” means “flower” in Japanese, and “matsuri” means “festival,” so Hanamatsuri means “Flower Festival.”

　According to an ancient legend, various kinds of flowers and sweet dew rain down from the sky when Shakyamuni
　Buddha was born in the beautiful spring sunshine in Lumbini Garden (in the area now known as Nepal) on April 8
　about 2500 years ago.

　To honor this joyous day, in many Buddhist temples, a flower-decorated miniature shrine (Hanamido) will be set up,
　and people will pour sweet herb tea over the standing statue of the Infant Buddha placed in it.

　The flowers represent "Lumbini Garden" and the sweet tea symbolizes the "sweet rain" that is said to have come
　down from the heavens.