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Annual Elephant Procession for Novice Ordination Ceremony of the Thai Phuan People at Ban Had Siew, 2015.
Image of a woman in a white dress standing in front of a waterfall.
This trip, I AM DEVIL, the villain, will take you to see
"The annual Thai Phuan elephant procession ceremony for the ordination of novices at Ban Had Siew, 2015"
At Had Siew Subdistrict, Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai Province
The Tradition of Elephant Procession for Ordination Ceremony
The origin of the elephant procession for the ordination ceremony is unclear. However, it is believed to be influenced by the story of Prince Vessantara in the Vessantara Jataka. According to the story, Prince Vessantara was born on the same day as the arrival of a significant white elephant, "Chaiyapruek Na Keng." This elephant possessed the power to bring rain during the appropriate seasons, ensuring abundant crops and prosperity. It also served as Prince Vessantara's companion and symbol of his authority.
The procession of the novice monks riding on elephants is thought to be inspired by the scene where Prince Vessantara rode Chaiyapruek Na Keng back to his city.
Another belief attributes the tradition to Buddhist teachings. According to Buddhist teachings, the Buddha instructed monks to strive towards enlightenment, which is symbolized by the northern direction. In the Puan culture, the elephant represents the north. Therefore, the Puan people incorporated elephants into the ordination ceremony.
The Elephant Procession Tradition in Had Saeo
The elephant procession for the ordination ceremony, also known as the "Elephant Ordination Ceremony" by the locals of Had Saeo, is a long-standing tradition dating back 171 years. It is a significant event and a unique cultural identity of the Puan people in Had Saeo.
Originally, the procession took place on the third waning day of the fourth lunar month, and the ordination ceremony on the fourth waning day of the same month. However, the dates were later changed to April 7th for the procession and April 8th for the ordination ceremony.
This year, the event was held on April 7th and 8th, 2015. A total of 18 novice monks participated, accompanied by 18 elephants.
Schedule of the Elephant Procession for Ordination Ceremony in Had Saeo 2015
April 7th, 2015
- 7:00 AM: Offering ceremony at the Had Saeo temple shrine
- 8:00 AM: Head-shaving ceremony for the novice monks (at the host's house)
- 9:00 AM: Blessing ceremony, dressing the novice monks and decorating the elephants
- 10:00 AM: Procession of the novice monks and elephants from the host's house to the Had Saeo temple
- 12:00 PM: Opening ceremony, novice monks perform rituals in the temple
- 12:30 PM: Elephant procession leaves the temple, passes through the main market street, and circles around the back street of the market
- 3:00 PM: Elephant procession crosses the Yom River
- 4:00 PM: Elephant procession returns to the host's house
- 5:00 PM: Novice ordination ceremony at the Had Saeo temple
April 8th, 2015
- 7:00 AM: Making merit, offering food to monks and newly ordained novices
- 9:00 AM: Ceremony concludes
Sources:
- lovelikejourney.com
- facebook.com/ilovesisatchanalai
Image of a woman in a white dress standing in a field of flowers.
Most participants in the ceremony will be dressed in a traditional costume called "Mo Hom".
Those who come to the event can buy it. Only the shirt is 300 baht.
I AM DEVIL, the villain, came to Wat Had Siew to capture the image of the ordination ceremony.
Upon arriving at Wat Had Siew, there was a group of aunts (let's call them aunts)
dressed beautifully and elegantly to participate in the traditional ceremony.
Traditionally, the head-shaving ceremony for novices is held at the sponsor's home.
(The sponsor's home is the house where the novice ordination takes place.)
On the day of this traditional ceremony, a total of 4 novices were ordained at Wat Had Siew.
The parents of the naga will bathe and shave the naga's head.
Image of a woman sitting on a bench in a park
Following this, the ordination ceremony will proceed with the shaving of the head.
Image of a group of people standing in front of a building.
I AM DEVIL: Witnessing the Head-Shaving Ceremony for Monks
This article documents the head-shaving ceremony for two individuals who are entering monkhood. The author expresses gratitude to the hosts for allowing them to capture this significant event.
A.
Image of a group of people standing in front of a building.
Naga Attire
Ordination Supplies: Preparing for the Two Novices
This section details the ordination supplies prepared for the two novices.
Offering coins or chili powder
Family photo with the Naga
The Ordination Ceremony Begins
The two novices prostrate themselves before their father and mother, seeking forgiveness.
Entering the Ceremony to Bless the Novice
Observing the Art of Elephant Decoration
This section showcases the creative efforts of students from the Silpakorn University who participated in an elephant decoration activity. The students adorned the elephants with intricate patterns and designs, transforming them into vibrant works of art.
The process begins with drawing patterns on the elephant using blackboard chalk.
The elephant is then painted with various colors.
Each elephant will be inscribed with various mottos, proverbs, witty remarks, and even playful banter directed at the host or owner.
For example, this particular elephant is inscribed with the phrase "Game, Granddaughter of Aor, Ordination Feast."
It's not easy to draw patterns on each elephant.
Because the elephants don't stand still.
The mahouts have to drag and scold the elephants until the children finish coloring.
The Elephant's Adornment: Preparing for the Ritual
The text describes the process of adorning an elephant for a ritual, likely a religious ceremony.
Here's a breakdown of the actions:
- Head covering: The elephant's head is covered with a cloth, the color of which corresponds to the day of the week the "naga" (a mythical serpent-like creature) was born.
- Back covering: A cloth is spread over the elephant's back.
- Bells and chains: Bells or chains with bells are attached around the elephant's neck or back.
- Tusks decoration: The elephant's tusks are adorned with colorful ribbons or white and red threads.
This ritualistic preparation serves several purposes:
- Aesthetics: The colorful decorations enhance the visual appeal of the elephant, making it a more impressive sight for the ceremony.
- Symbolism: The specific colors and materials used may hold symbolic meanings related to the ceremony or the naga's birth.
- Respect: Adorning the elephant demonstrates respect for the animal and its role in the ritual.
Overall, the text provides a glimpse into a cultural practice where elephants play a significant role in religious ceremonies.
The elephants are all dressed up and looking very handsome and beautiful.
Once the elephants are dressed, each elephant must go to the host's house to pick up the ordinand.
Before the ordinand mounts the elephant, they must first ask for the elephant's forgiveness.
Both the mahout and his relatives helped to lift the naga onto the elephant's back.
The procession is arranged with the monk sitting on the elephant's neck, holding his hands together in prayer, and carrying the Sakkaccha and the Five Aggregates.
The relatives and friends sit on the elephant's back and hold up a white cloth to shield the monk from the sun.
Image of a group of people standing in front of a building.
The attire of the Naga consists of:
- A loincloth: Symbolizing the Naga's worldly possessions.
- Purple silk cloth: Representing the Naga's desire for external beauty.
- Velvet jacket or other shimmering garments: Highlighting the Naga's attraction to material wealth.
- Various ornaments: Such as belts, pearls, and gems, further emphasizing the Naga's fascination with external beauty.
- Sunglasses: Signifying the Naga's blindness due to a lack of understanding of religious teachings.
- Headdress: Resembling the crown of Indra, symbolizing the Naga's noble lineage and potential for spiritual growth.
- Mirrors on both sides of the ears: Encouraging self-reflection and a willingness to let go of the past.
- Folded hands with a circular plate or pad: Called "Sakkaccam," signifying respect and reverence.
- Ornaments and offerings: Held in the hands, including flowers, incense, and candles, representing the Five Precepts.
- Large umbrella: Called "Sapdan" or "Kanju," providing shade and protection, symbolizing the Naga's journey towards enlightenment.
A.
The Procession
The procession is led by the host, who distributes woven hats or spray-painted "ngop" (headwear) inscribed with the novice's name or playful jokes. These serve as souvenirs and sun protection for participants. The procession is accompanied by a brass band or long drums.
The procession of each host was spectacular.
Image of a woman in a white dress standing in front of a waterfall.
The procession of the ordained elephant moved to Wat Had Siew
to participate in the opening ceremony and the ordination ceremony in the chapel.
The procession and its participants have begun to arrive at Wat Had Saeo.
Image of a woman using a laptop in a coffee shop
Image of a group of people standing in front of a building.
Serpent Ritual in the Church
After the ordination ceremony in the church, each novice returned to their seat on the elephant.
Grand Opening Ceremony of the Thai Phuan Elephant Procession and Ordination Tradition Festival, Ban Had Siew, 2015.
The procession of ordained elephants, ranked in order, departed from Wat Had Siew. This year, there were 18 elephants in the procession, which passed through the main market street and then looped around to the back street behind the market.
Image of a woman in a white dress standing in a field of flowers
The highlight of the procession is the crossing of the Yom River, the final destination after parading around the city.
Elephants will cross the Yom River in single file, one rope at a time, in the order in which they have been arranged.
The elephant on the right side of the picture caused quite a stir.
With the rather hot weather, the elephant must have wanted to play in the water, so it plunged right in.
This caused Naak and the people on the elephant's back to worry that they might fall into the water.
Image of a woman sitting on a bench in a park.
When each elephant crosses the Yom River to the other side
Normally, if there is a host's house on the other side of the Yom River, the elephant procession will walk up the bank.
But this year, there is no host on the other side, so the elephants have to walk back to the same side.
Each elephant walked back one by one.
Only 7 out of 18 elephants participating in the procession for the ordination ceremony of novice monks were able to cross the Yom River.
Upon reaching the shore, each elephant will proceed to the house of their respective host.
At 5:00 PM, the剃度 (ordination) ceremony will be held at Wat Had Siao.
On April 8th, there will be a merit-making ceremony, including alms offering and a meal for the newly ordained monks and novices.
The "Elephant Procession for Novice Ordination Ceremony of the Thai Phuan People in Ban Had Siew" marks the beginning of the Songkran festival in Sukhothai province. I AM DEVIL, a photographer, would like to express my gratitude to the photographers who invited me to participate in this event. This was my first time attending a traditional ceremony, and it was a truly memorable experience. The people of Ban Had Siew were incredibly welcoming and kind. I would like to extend my special thanks to the host family, the novice Anupong Kianthong, and the young boy Wanjakri Chaovanapricha for allowing me to capture these precious moments.
Next year, if I AM DEVIL has the opportunity, I will come back to work again.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 6:28 PM
