The ordination tradition for young boys, known as Poi Sang Long among the Tai Yai people, is a Buddhist ceremony held for boys of Tai Yai descent aged 12 and above. It takes place in Mae Hong Son province and some districts of Chiang Mai. It is believed that the ordination of these young boys brings great merit to both the families of the ordained and the participants in the ceremony.
The Poi Sang Long festival is held during the summer, from late March to April. On the day of the ceremony, the boys, known as “Look Kaew,” must have their heads shaved, leaving only their eyebrows. They wear makeup, lipstick, and are dressed in elaborate attire adorned with beautiful jewelry. They also wear dark sunglasses to symbolize blindness to worldly temptations. The Look Kaew are carried on the shoulders and paraded in a procession, led by a single riderless horse. The procession is accompanied by music to create a festive atmosphere as it moves to important places such as city pillar shrines. The second day is for the procession offering items to the monks. In the evening, there is a chanting ceremony to express gratitude to parents. The third day is the most important, as the ceremonial offerings are made to the monks, precepts are recited, and the boys change their casual attire into monk robes, officially becoming novice monks. They usually remain ordained for 15 days to a month.
Nowadays, the Poi Sang Long ordination tradition was registered as a national cultural heritage in 2018 to serve as important documentation for the nation and to foster pride in the community’s culture. It also aims to protect and preserve this cultural heritage, promoting understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity both nationally and internationally.
For Additional Information: Department of Fine Arts
Link: https://www.finearts.go.th/
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