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Poi Sang Long Ceremony 2012
Pang Lor Temple in Mae Hong Son municipality, Mae Hong Son.
April 1 — 30, 2012
THE Poi Sang Long ceremony, unique to the province of Mae Hong Son, is a novice ordination ceremony, but it is unlike any other ceremony of its type in the country. Young boys aged between 7 and 14 are ordained as novices so they can spend time studying Buddhist doctrines. It is believed that by pursuing ordination for their parents, they gain merit.
The origins of this festival lie in Buddhist legend. It is believed that the tradition follows in the footsteps of Prince Rahula, the Buddha’s own son, who gave up his worldly life to follow his father’s spiritual teachings. Prince Rahula became the youngest ordained monk and the first novice in Buddhism. Subsequently it became a tradition for young boys to be ordained so they can undertake the study of Buddhist teachings.
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With deep reverence for the Buddhist religion, the local residents in Mae Hong Son province are of the view that the celebrations should be as grand as possible.
The first day begins with the boys having their hair shaved off by parents and relatives. They are then bathed and anointed with consecrated waters and dressed in brightly coloured costumes. By the end of this process, the boys are now known as Sang Long or Luuk Kaew — precious gems. On the second day, relatives, friends and guests stop by the house of the Sang Long host family in order to congratulate the family and present alms.
On the third day, Hae Krua Lu day, the grand colourful procession is held in the morning. Well-attended by family members and individuals of importance in Mae Hong Son's Shan community, the procession of the Sang Long features handmade floats, offerings for the temple and traditional dances. The procession starts out from Chong Kham and Chong Klang Temple in the heart of the city before it moves along the main streets of town and out to the temples.
The procession once again proceeds through the town and the Sang Long are escorted to Chong Kham and Chong Klang Temple for the formal ordination ceremony.
Contact : tatmhs@tat.or.th.
Tel : +66 (0) 5361 2982-3. |
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