1. Introduction to the text
The Lotus Lantern Festival, known as Yeondeonghoe in Korean, is a major Buddhist celebration that takes place annually in Korea. This festival dates back to the Silla Kingdom (57 BCE – 935 CE) and is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Buddha and honor the principles of his teachings. The festival is characterized by the display of intricately crafted lanterns, often in the shape of lotus flowers, which hold significant symbolic meaning in Buddhist traditions.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 연등 | yeondeung | lotus lantern |
| 불교 | bulgyo | Buddhism |
| 부처님 | bucheoninim | Buddha |
| 연꽃 | yeonkkot | lotus flower |
| 등롱 | deunglong | lantern |
| 축제 | chukje | festival |
| 행렬 | haengnyeol | parade |
| 의식 | uisik | ritual |
| 전통 | jeontong | tradition |
| 문화유산 | munhwayusan | cultural heritage |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
연등회는 부처님의 탄생을 기념하고 그분의 가르침을 기리기 위해 매년 열리는 대규모 불교 축제입니다.
The Lotus Lantern Festival is a major Buddhist celebration held annually to commemorate the birth of Buddha and honor his teachings.
이 축제는 삼국시대 신라에서 유래되었으며, 오늘날에도 한국 전역에서 다양한 방식으로 개최됩니다.
This festival originated in the Silla Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period and is still celebrated in various ways across Korea today.
연등회의 가장 큰 특징은 연꽃 모양의 아름다운 등롱들이 거리와 사찰에 걸려 있는 모습입니다.
The most distinctive feature of the Lotus Lantern Festival is the beautiful lotus-shaped lanterns that adorn the streets and temples.
등롱은 부처님의 가르침을 상징하며, 연꽃은 불교에서 순수와 깨달음을 나타냅니다.
The lanterns symbolize Buddha’s teachings, while the lotus flower represents purity and enlightenment in Buddhism.
축제 기간 동안에는 사찰에서 다양한 불교 의식과 행사가 열리며, 거리 행렬과 공연도 진행됩니다.
During the festival, various Buddhist rituals and events take place at temples, and street parades and performances are also held.
연등회는 한국인들에게 중요한 전통 문화유산이며, 많은 외국인 관광객들도 이 축제를 즐기러 옵니다.
The Lotus Lantern Festival is an important traditional cultural heritage for Koreans, and many foreign tourists also come to enjoy this festival.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1. What is the primary purpose of the Lotus Lantern Festival?
2. Where did the festival originate, and what is its historical significance?
3. Explain the symbolic meaning of the lotus lanterns and lotus flowers in the context of this festival.
4. Describe some of the activities and events that take place during the Lotus Lantern Festival.
5. Why is this festival considered an important cultural heritage in Korea?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The Lotus Lantern Festival has its roots in the Silla Kingdom, where it was celebrated to honor the birth of Buddha and the teachings of Buddhism. Over the centuries, the festival has evolved and adapted to modern times, but its core purpose and symbolism remain intact.