One hot afternoon this last April (right before the Thai New Year) my neighbors called to me to photograph something.I didn’t realize I would be observing an annual ceremony held at their house.
I went in and the family, which made up of twelve people, was sitting down in their front room.They had put a satong, which is a box made from the trunk of a banana tree, between them and an elderly man who was leading the ceremony.The older gentleman was a friend of the family and a former monk.
Even though it was still dark, there was a bustle of activity happening by the time we got there.A constant stream of ladies deposited packets of sticky rice in offering bowls.Many people were walking around the stupa and pouring water on figurines shaped in the form of demi-gods, tigers, goats, and dogs.Wads of sticky rice were placed near the statuettes as well (see photo). Others were lighting candles and setting them at the base of the stupa.A light cacophony of prayers could be heard as my neighbors made there way around the shrine.
A teenage friend of mine was in a motorcycle accident last week. He was riding behind the driver (like the girl in the photo) when their bike collided into the rear of another motorcycle that had three people on it. Tragically, the passenger that was closest to the impact on the other motorbike was killed. Thankfully my friend came away with just a few minor scratches and a black eye.
“Why doesn’t the family of the deceased turn back to see the coffin burn? Why do they leave so quickly after the fire is lit? It is because they don’t want to be haunted by the spirit of the dead,” my friend explained, “The ghost will see and remember and then go and harass the family.”
At the end of a funeral ceremony the body is to be cremated as is custom among those of the Buddhist faith. I’ve always wondered why everyone exits so quickly once the coffin is alit. I just happened to hear the reason for this in the last week while chatting with a good friend. Making sure that one does not upset the spirits of the dead is reflected in many actions and customs.
“Suppose a water buffalo or a snake or a cow died on that property. A satong is used get rid of whatever spirits reside there. Then the homeowners will be content knowing that any ill will has been removed,” a neighbor explained.
A satong is a small square-like tray made from a banana plant. It is adorned with flags on the corners and filled with food that the homeowners use in daily cooking. During a house dedication ceremony, one satong is placed in the center of the house and then four others are place in front of each corner on the outside the house. Buddhist monks then chant over each of the satongs for a few minutes and sprinkle holy water on it. Then they place a rock in the satong before moving on the next one. The monks always start in the NE corner and work their way around the house clockwise.
