Derm Cafe Blog

Vishak Bochea Day (also called Vesak) marks three pivotal events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama—his birth, attainment of nirvāṇa under the Bodhi tree, and his mahāparinibbāna (final passing). In Cambodia, the day falls usually in May and begins before dawn, when families bring offerings of flowers, incense, and candles to local pagodas.

Monks lead serene candle-lit processions around temple shrines, chanting the Tram Vessantara Jātaka (the Buddha’s penultimate life story). Laypeople listen, reflect on the Four Noble Truths, and renew commitments to non-violence and compassion. Children learn by sending “floating lanterns” down temple ponds, symbolizing the letting go of suffering.

Beyond the rituals, Vishak Bochea Day is a call to ethical action. Many temples open kitchens to feed the poor; neighborhood groups organize clean-up drives; families invite elders and neighbors to share vegetarian meals. It’s a beautiful blend of solemn reflection and communal warmth, reminding us that enlightenment isn’t just a personal goal—it’s a shared journey of kindness.

Originating in the late 19th century labor movement, International Workers’ Day commemorates the Haymarket affair in Chicago (May 4, 1886) and the broader struggle for the eight-hour workday. In Cambodia and many other nations, May 1st is a public holiday filled with rallies, speeches, and cultural events that highlight the dignity of labor.

Trade unions and worker associations often use the occasion to campaign for fair wages, safe workplaces, and social protections. Factories may pause production for commemorative assemblies; artisans and street vendors set up stalls reminding passersby of the history behind the holiday. Schools sometimes hold essay contests or art exhibitions on “the future of work.”

But beyond protests and policy debates, Labor Day is also a chance to thank those whose daily efforts keep our communities running—from public-transport drivers and nurses to cooks, cleaners, and code-writers. Whether you work on a factory floor or in a home office, take a moment this May 1st to recognize your own contributions and those of your fellow workers—and to push for a fairer, more inclusive world of work.