Shan novitiation ceremonies in Thailand

No.10 - 3/2007
17 March 2007
Culture/ General

Shan novitiation ceremonies in Thailand
 
March and April are the months when Shans, wherever they are, squander their hard-earned fortune to turn their sons, nephews, grandsons and grandnephews into novice monks. A straightforward, simple and cheaper way is just to buy a set of yellow robes, the uniform for monks, and ask the abbot of a monastery to accept your ward into the religious fold.
 
Outrageously, that is not the Shan way. Shans, no matter how poor they are, love pomp and ceremony and will spend all they have and all they can borrow to dress their sons in colorful princely attire and organize a fitting festival for him before surrendering him to the abbot.

As to be expected, several places in northern Thailand are scrambling over each other to hold novitiation ceremonies this year. If you are interested to visit one of them, just take your pick from the following list:
 
Chiangmai province
 
Muang district
22-25 March 2007
Wat Kutao
 
4-6 April 2007
Wat Papao
 
 
Mae Tang district
25-27 March 2007
Wat Pangkwang
 
1-5 April 2007
Wat Tiyasatharn
 
 
Wiang Haeng district
31 March – 2 April 2007
Wat Konglom
 
21-25 April 2007
Wat Piang Luang
 
 
Fang district
19-21 March 2007
Wat Nong Chang Piang
 
 
31 March – 2 April 2007
Wat Photong, Ban Larn
 
30 March – 1 April 2007
Wat Tonhoong Jongtok
 
1-3 April 2007
Wat Angkhang, Doi Angkhang Royal Project
 
4-6 April 2007
Wat Doikaset, Pangkhwai
 
7-9 April 2007
Wat Pangkhwai
 
20-23 April 2007
Wat Wiangwai
 
Mae Ai District
30 March – 1 April 2007
Wat Pateung, Tambon Santonmeu
 
Maehongson Province
 
Muang district
31 March – 2 April 2007
Wat Huawiang
 
Khun Yuam district
31 March – 2 April 2007
Wat Tawphae, Tambon Mae Ngao
 
7-9 April 2007
Wat Mueydaw, Tambon Khun Yuam
 
8-10 April 2007
Wat Muangpawn, Tambon Muangpawn
 
Chiangrai province
 
Mae Fa Luang district
5-7 April 2007
Wat Phrathat Kakham, Tambon Therdthai
 
8-10 April 2007
Wat Chethamanee, Tambon Mae Fa Luang
 
Maesai district
10-12 April 2007
Wat Wiang Phangkham