Source: The Fresno Bee

http://www.fresnobee.com/local/religion/story/12004442p-12763817c.html

On April 1, 2006 The Fresno Bee reported, "In the United States, Buddha's birthday is a major occasion for Buddhists, who at 1.5 million worshippers represent the country's fourth-largest religion. Denominations such as Jodo Shinshu, which is practiced at Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple and member temples such as Clovis Buddhist Temple, hold a special service on the nearest Sunday to Buddha's birthday, which is next Saturday. The special service at Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple is known as Hanamatsuri, or Flower Festival. Traditionally, a hanamido box is displayed at the temple's altar and decorated with an assortment of fresh-cut flowers. The hanamido bears a baby Buddha statue. The flowers symbolize Lumbini Garden, the site of Buddha's birth to Queen Maya and King Suddhodana in India. At the special service, tradition also calls for children coming forward to pour sweet tea over the baby Buddha statue. The action symbolizes the 'sweet rain' that is said to have come down from the heavens when Buddha was born."