Wesak Celebration- 2003

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After the ceremonial festival in the Zendo, when the baby Buddha figure is bathed with sweet tea, everyone gathers downstairs for a birthday cake and a Zeñata. Click here for a larger view

The youngest gets to blow out the candle, and also goes first with the Zeñata, but getting everyone served some cake takes top priority Mark Sosetsu Stauffer does the honors as the kids look on. Click here for larger image

The Zeñata is in the form of a white elephant, and is hung from a steam pipe in the tea room. An adult or older Dharma School student controls the height, sometimes making it bob and dance to complicate matters for the older kids. Click here for larger image

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The order goes up the age list, with younger kids getting two whacks, and older kids getting just one. We give the Zeñata plenty of weak spots, but because it swings free, it is not easy to break. Here Zoe Palmer takes her turn.

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The Zeñata is filled with small toys and some candy, but also confetti. Here Thomas Albanese makes confetti fly.

Click here for a video of Max Leatha

Ariel Devros takes his turn. Click here for a larger view

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The elephant is worse for wear after most the kids have had a go at it, but there is still more treasure to release.

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Here Annie Rose Macer takes her turn.


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No, the elephant didn't reassemble itself. Brenden Luworo took his turn somewhat earlier in the process.

Ellen Clark makes contact with a leg. Click here for a larger view

Will Palmer gets ready to take a swing. Click here for a larger view

Click for video of Nathan Martin

For a video clip of Nathan Martin's, big swing, click the projector on the left.