4.27.2009

lanterns and lanterns and lanterns and lanterns and dancing!

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Sunday was the Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival in honor of Buddha's Birthday. It was and amazing event, quite possibly the most amazing of the year! During the day there were all sorts of cultural affairs to enjoy. You could watch performances, make traditional crafts, eat street food...

Here's Kevin with his lantern.
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An old woman came and gave these little heart things to us. Mine said something like "If you have a big heart, the world is yours." Aww...
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This parade of people entered the park and performed some dances.
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For most of the afternoon, we walked around and watched people and ate good street food. I really wanted one of these hats.
...no really.
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One of my absolute favorite treats!
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We met some new friends.
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Then we visited the Buddhist Temple.
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Then, there was an endless and fantastic and wonderful and "wow" parade!
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Here are some videos of the parade. Beautiful!




Lanterns, and MORE lanterns, and MORE lanterns, and MORE lanterns...
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Then we danced!
They kept the street closed and there was a big dance party.
Cultural music, circle dancing, cheering, chanting "Kang Kang Suwolae!!!"
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SO SO SO much fun!
Mom, I expect my next birthday party to be like this okay?

8 comments:

Amanda Kataja said...

Holy cow, your parade pictures put mine to shame! I'm almost embarrassed to post! Guess I should read the part of the manual on how to deal with reflective police vests at night.

Mom said...

Right on for the birthday party...I'll start working on it. Maybe for your 30th. I especially love the butterfly lanterns. Do you think you could get me one??

Anonymous said...

Really great pics. I especially liked the dragon ones.

dave

twitter.com/dporter

Anonymous said...

OK, I was gonna ask for a butterfly lantern and since your Momma did,why not bring two. How awesome was that?!?! The colors are fantastic and vibrant. So we are going to So. Korea for your 30th? Thanks for sharing looks like you had a blast. Makes you happy you had the opportunity to teach there eh? Sue

Amanda said...

Great pictures April...I wish I could have been there to share it with you...

sarah :) said...

Beautiful photos, April! Looks like tons of fun!

Rachael said...

WOW! You totally made me wish I was there! What an amazing, beautiful event. Seriously, looking at these photos made my day. By the way, what kind of camera do you have? You get such great photos.

My name is April. said...

Thanks everyone. It was definitely one of my favorite events in Korea. Rachael, I use a Canon Rebel. Christmas present :-) Still getting used to it.