Typically celebrated from December 1 and ending on December 8*, Rohatsu {which literally means the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month) is a celebration by Zen Buddhist of the enlightenment of the Buddha. Buddhists around the world dedicate December as a month in which we strive extra hard to throw away the outside and our attachments and concentrate on our efforts to live within and simply.

During the 7 days leading up to Rohatsu, monks spend time in intensive silent meditation. It is said that Buddha reached enlightment as the morning star rose into the sky on the morning of the 8th. Monks stay awake all night of the 7th to perform the same actions of the Buddha's zazen practice that day.

The teaching goes that Siddhartha Gautama was sitting under the Bodhi tree for an entire week. On the morning of the eighth day he glanced upwards and saw “the morning star”, what we call Venus. Enlightment came to Siddhartha (who transformed into The Buddha) who proclaimed that he was, in himself, that shining star. Each December Buddhists try to reach this state in their own lives, concentrating more on their studies and meditations.

Teaching our children about Rohatsu is a great way to remind ourselves of our goal of enlightment and selfless living. Here are some great activities to celebrate and create with your children!

*Different sects of Buddhism celebrate the enlightenment in different months. December and May are typically the most popular months to celebrate.