…remember it is more than just a decoration. It’s a gentle reminder of what the Buddha taught us, and it lights up not only our homes, but also our hearts and minds.
The Atapattama Vesak Kuduwa is the most loved and seen Vesak lantern, but have you ever wondered where it comes from or what it means? Vesak is a sacred time for Buddhists worldwide, marking the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing Away of Lord Buddha. It is celebrated not only in Sri Lanka but also in countries like India, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Korea, and China, each with their own traditions. Lighting lamps during Vesak is an ancient practice, recorded in the Mahavamsa.
Even kings like Dutugemunu and Vasabha lit thousands of oil lamps as offerings to the Buddha. Today, this tradition continues as a Festival of Lights, with oil lamps, colourful bulbs, and the iconic Vesak lanterns. Vesak in Sri Lanka is a joyful time with free food from Dansal, colourful lanterns, and a peaceful atmosphere, plus a holiday the day after Vesak Poya. What I love most are the bright, eight-sided Atapattama lanterns lit with candles or bulbs and proudly displayed everywhere.
The word Atapattama comes from two Sinhala words:
- ‘Ata’ means eight and
- ‘Pattama’ means figure or shape.
- The Atapattama is an eight-sided lantern made with bamboo, thread, and colourful paper. Decorated with hanging frills, it looks magical when lit.
The design of the Atapattama Vesak lantern is full of meaning. Each part tells a story and teaches something important from Buddhism.
- The four squares represent the Four Noble Truths:
- Life has suffering (It’s about accepting that loss, death, and sickness are part of life)
- The origin of suffering is attachment. (The root cause of suffering is craving and desire) 3. The cessation of suffering is attainable. (Letting go of craving ends suffering)
- The path to the cessation of suffering. (A practical guide to the Noble Eightfold Path for overcoming craving and desire)
The eight triangles sit between the four, square sides of the lantern and hold deep meaning. They represent the Noble Eightfold Path in Buddhism, which is the journey to end suffering and reach enlightenment through wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.
Here’s what each of the eight triangles stands for:
Wisdom (Paññā):
Right Understanding (Sammā Ditthi) – Understanding the true nature of life and the Four Noble Truths.
- Right Thought (Sammā Sankappa) – Having thoughts that are free from selfishness, hatred, and violence.
- Ethical Conduct (Sīla):
- Right Speech (Sammā Vācā) – Engaging in truthful, constructive, and compassionate communication.
- Right Action (Sammā Kammanta) – Performing ethical and non-harmful actions. 5. Right Livelihood (Sammā Ājīva) – Earning a living through honest and peaceful means.
- Mental Discipline (Samādhi):
- Right Effort (Sammā Vāyāma) – Developing and maintaining positive qualities and avoiding negative ones.
- Right Mindfulness (Sammā Sati) – Being aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
- Right Concentration (Sammā Samādhi) – Training the mind through meditation to stay focused and calm.
Each triangle represents a step guiding a person on a peaceful, wise path like the lantern’s light in the dark.
The Atapattama Vesak Lantern has an open top and bottom, not just for look or air, but to show a special meaning in Buddhism.The top opening symbolises birth or the beginning of life, with light rising through it to represent a life journey full of light and hope. The bottom opening stands for death or the end of life, reminding us that life is temporary and, like fading light, we eventually return to peace.
Together, these openings tell the story of the cycle of life – from beginning to end – birth to death, and the light inside the lantern is a gentle reminder that even within this cycle, we can live with wisdom, kindness, and purpose. The frills hanging softly around the sides and bottom of the Vesak lantern add beauty, but they are not just decorations. Their gentle curves and waves have a special meaning in Buddhist culture.
The frills’ flowing shape reflects life’s ups and downs. Like the frills swaying in the breeze, our lives move through joys, challenges, and changes, never in a straight line.
The side frills represent how life unfolds around us through people, lessons, and experiences. The bottom frills remind us to stay grounded and humble, showing that even in hard times we can remain gentle, kind, and full of colour.
Together, these frills add beauty and movement to the lantern, while gently reminding us that life, in all its colours and twists, is something to appreciate and reflect on. So, the next time you look at a Vesak Kuduwa, especially the Atapattama, remember it is more than just a decoration. It’s a gentle reminder of what the Buddha taught us, and it lights up not only our homes, but also our hearts and minds.
Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful Vesak season!
In the spirit of Vesak,
By Dulari Jayasinghe – Invercargill
