Thailand Travel, Poi Sang long Festival in Maehongson

The ordinary of sons as novice monks is a very old tradition. In ancient times this ordination of sons was seen as a chance for the children to become educated during the dry season when the rice fields lie fallow. During the month of April many families organize Sang Long ordination ceremonies. If a family is poor then they will ask for contributions and assistance from those that are wealthier to organize the ordination ceremony. Shan people believe that because the boys are young and innocent they will be more able to absorb the Buddhist teachings than those who are older and more experienced. They also believe that the ordination brings great merit.

The boy who is to become a novice is called Sang Long. When it is time for the ceremony he must have his head shaved but not his eyebrows. He dresses in beautiful clothes, adorned with expensive decorations, necklace, bracelet and rings, and wears a piece of cloth wound around his head in the Bermese style. He wears long, white socks, a sarong and face powder, painted eyebrows and bright red lipstick. He dresses like this because it is believed that Buddha was a prince who renounced his worldly desires. The Sang Long is dressed like a prince to show that he too can renounce his worldly desires. Many people attend the ceremony, which takes place over 3 days. Traditionally, young boys and girls would walk round the houses giving out candles as invitations to the guests’ and ask for contributions.

This is an important ceremony and usually the whole community is invited. There are great preparations for food and drink and everyone has tremendous fun.

On the first day the Sang Long is collected from the temple before dawn. After leaving the temple, firecrackers are set off and the Sang Long is taken to the village spirit shrine to ask for protection during the time that the Sang Long is being paraded around. The villagers take turns in holding and looking after the Sang Long, who sits up on their shoulders. This is called “dubbay Sang Long”. The Sang Long is paraded to the house of the family that organized the celebration to eat dinner and rest for a while. After that he is paraded to the houses of the village elders to pay respects, ask for forgiveness, receive felicitations and encouragement in keeping the religious precepts.

On the second day there is more parading. Offerings are made at different places and then the paraders and the Sang Long rest.

On the third day, after breakfast, the invited guests gather at the temple for the ceremony. The rest of the parade continues through the street to collect gifts and offerings before gathering at the temple. At the appropriate time, the Sang Long is ordinated as a novice monk.

source :
paitown.com, travelmaehongson.org, tourismthailand.org,
maehongsontourism.net, maehongsontravel.com