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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 19 In this article, we present a listing of some of the major religious and cultural holidays, with a brief description of each. Should you wish to expand your customer base to the increasingly diverse American consumer bases, at least you will know when to begin preparing. We've glossed over Christian holidays in this article—not out of any disrespect—because most people in the U.S. and Canada tend already know what and when they are. We assume you do, too, and that you seize on those opportunities for sales. We suspect that many of you may have an inkling of some religious and cultural festivals and celebrations but are unsure how your flower shop can help these customers who may have specific requests or how to entice them with options they didn't know you could provide. Please note that there are hundreds of cultural and religious celebrations that are celebrated by communities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Because we are unable to provide recognition to all—indeed, you may feel we have left out an important observance for which we apologize—but we provide descriptions, dates and floral possibilities for those mentioned. Religions Buddhism It owes its origins to India founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) more than 2,500 years ago and is based on Hindu beliefs. However, while most Indians fell away from it, Buddhism was embraced wholeheartedly by other Asian countries, including Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Kalmykia, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, ailand, Tibet and Vietnam. Unlike other religious or cultural festivals, Buddhist celebrations aren't so … loud. Vesak, or Wesak, is the most important Buddhist holiday, celebrated to honor the birth and death of Buddha and to contemplate his enlightenment while gaining one's own. Celebrated on the full moon in May, celebrations include cleaning and decorating the home and going to a temple to worship. At the temple, people bring flowers, candles and food to the monks and for the statue of Buddha. Water is ladled onto a statue of Buddha, recalling the need to purify the minds of selfishness and maliciousness. Burmese Buddhist devotees traditionally water Bodhi/sacred fig trees to mark Vesak.

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