The birthday of the Goddess of Mercy is a celebration of Kuan Yin, the Bodhisattva (“Buddha-to-be”) of infinite compassion and mercy. Depicted as both masculine and feminine, and one of the most beloved of Buddhist deities, he or she is accepted not only by Buddhists but also by the Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans. Women especially celebrate Kuan Yin. In Malaysia, hundreds of devotees bearing joss sticks, fruit, flowers, and sweet cakes gather at temples dedicated to Kuan Yin to pray for her benevolence. At the old temple at Jalan Pitt, Penang, puppet shows are staged in celebration of her. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary