Rohatsu

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Rohatsu is a day traditionally honored as the day of the Buddha's enlightenment by Zen Buddhists. The word Rohatsu is Japanese and literally means 8th Day of the 12th Month.

While deep in meditation under a bodhi tree, he attained enlightenment upon seeing the morning star just at dawn; celebrated on the 8th day either of December or of the 12th month of the lunar calendar.

It is typical for monks and laymen to stay up all evening in the night before Rohatsu practising meditation and the holiday is often preceded by an intensive sesshin.

Rohatsu is not celebrated by other Mahayana schools of Buddhism for whom Wesak is the most important festival.

Etymology:

• Japanese: 臘八 (Rōhatsu, lit. 8th of December)

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