Vesak

Today is Vesak day. We (or probably me alone) do not know the meaning of certain celebrations - like Vesak which has been made into a public holiday here - that other races and religions celebrate. If someone were to ask me what does Vesak mean and why is it celebrated I would have turned purple (not red since I'm dark) with embarrassment because I wouldn't be able to answer even though this is the 40+ time I've enjoyed the leave given. Probably I have been told about it in primary but since I do not celebrate it I probably have forgotten about its significance. Living in a multicultural, multiracial and multi-religion nation I think I should at least know why it means.