Wesak, which falls on the first full moon in May, is celebrated in lots of different ways in countries like China and Indonesia. Wesak celebrates the birth and death of Buddha.

Buddhists don't believe that Buddha was a god. He was a person who reached what is called ‘Enlightenment’ by meditating. Enlightenment is a very peaceful state in which Buddha was able to understand the truth behind everything.

To give thanks to Buddha, people bathe his statue as a way of making themselves clean, inside and out. Having a pure heart and mind is important to Buddhists.

But there are many ways to praise Buddha at Wesak. In China, dragons are a traditional part of their culture and so having them dance in the streets is a great way to honour Buddha.

Peaceful activities, such as making origami shapes (by folding pieces of paper to make amazing, intricate models) and floating them down a stream, or releasing birds from cages, have meaning on Wesak. They represent letting go of your troubles - and feelings of freedom and happiness should follow.