I was an English teacher in Thailand and during my very first term, only a few mere weeks after landing in the country, I was already working at a school and it was time to celebrate Teachers’ Day. Everyone at the school including the students made me feel welcomed and loved already so a day for us was even more special and made me feel even more comfortable in Thailand and my school.

The covered basketball area had been transformed to accommodate more than half of the school. There were rows of chairs and a large stage that was decorated by the students. Students missed some classes a few days prior to the holiday just to prepare for it, decorate, finish off their flower offerings and to perfect their traditional Thai dances and music.

So Teacher’s Day came and my students were in grades M4, 5, and 6, which is the equivalent of grades 10-12 (in the US), or ages 15-18. I had the oldest group of kids and they were absolutely fabulous. I was super excited to see what they have been preparing for us all these days! The ceremony started, and there were groups of about 10-12 teachers that were invited on the stage and then preformed for. The students had a little choreographed ‘respectful’ dance that they showed us and then they would get on their knees, bow their heads before each teacher, and hand off the stunning flower arrangement. Seriously, the flowers were awesome. Each design was different, unique, and all so colorful!

After the student handed off the flowers they ‘waied’ the teachers. Wai-ing is when someone puts their two hands together, palm to palm, in front of their face and then does a little nod or bow. This is a respectful symbol in Thailand. After a few groups went, it was finally my turn. I walked on stage with my fellow teachers and took my seat.

As you may know, in the US and in many other countries around the world, when a woman wears a skirt or dress, they cross their legs. This is the polite thing to do. If you remember, I have only been in Thailand for a few weeks at this point and had absolutely no idea that this is exactly the opposite in Thailand. Crossing your legs is actually extremely rude. If you think about the way Buddhist people pray, their feet are always behind them, never pointing at Buddha. Feet are considered the unholiest part of the body and again, very rude. So what did I do the second I took my seat on that stage in front of the majority of my school? I CROSSED MY LEGS.

The entire crowded in unison all gasped and gawked at my major faux paus. Thank goodness a nice teacher next to me immediately pushed my leg down. I had no idea what just happened at this point and just sat their awkwardly as the ceremony continued for our group of teachers. After all was done, the teacher who helped me push my leg down just laughed and chatted away with me telling me that it’s “No nice to do this. Feet not nice in Thailand.” I apologized profusely to all the teachers around me, wai-ing them and putting my most sympathetic face on. They were all so sweet and most just patted me on the back saying, “It’s OK! You foreigner. You no know this. You not Thai, no problem.”

Bless all of them for being so nice. I felt a bit better after I saw everyone laughing it off, however when Teacher’s Day came around the next year, all the teachers made sure to remind me NOT to cross my legs! Although they didn’t have to, I will never cross my legs again in Thailand. Ever.

Photos by Nina

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Makha Bucha 2016 will fall on Monday, February 22nd.

Origins of Makha Bucha

Makha Bucha started when 1,250 disciples came to visit Buddha without being summoned on a full moon day on the third lunar month. This congregation of disciples prompted Buddha to share his enlightenment, which he himself achieved nine months before, in an event called the “Ovādapātimokha.” Thus, on this day, the “Heart of Buddhism,” which consisted of three main principles, was laid out.

Makha refers to the name of the third month in the lunar calendar while “bucha” means “to venerate.”

The Four Observances of Makha Bucha

On this day, Buddhists are expected to perform these four devotional rituals “to cease from all evil,” “to do what is good,” and “to cleanse one’s mind.”

Wien Thien

Perhaps the more recognized aspect of the celebrations is the “wien thien” or the religious ritual of going around a temple three times in a clockwise direction bearing lighted candles, incense and flowers which are placed before Buddhist statues at the end of the evening procession. Local temples are often thronged with devotees joining the monks for a candlelit procession. The same ritual is performed in Laos, which they call “vian tian.”

Tum Boon

Every Buddhist occasion is an opportunity for the lay to make merits which could take on several forms. “Tham bun” could be performed by going to temples to listen to Dhamma teachings, donating to a local temple, or chanting the scripts in an ancient language.

Tuk Bard

“Tuk bard” is a form of making merit but one that specifically addressed to monks and novices. In a special ceremony during the Makha Bucha Day, the lay can make food offerings to individual monks who receive them in a special alms bowl.

Rub Sil

Also known as “rap sin”, this ritual involves meditative observance of keeping the Five Precepts, exercising abstinence and renunciation of material desires and refraining from immoral thoughts and acts that pollute the mind.

Makha Bucha Day Celebrations by the Government

As befits a national holiday, Makha Bucha is celebrated not only in local temples across Buddhist countries but also in the capital cities. In Thailand, for example, the Grand Palace marks the day with several events that both involve Buddhist monks and the lay. His Majesty King Bhumibol traditionally invites several monks to have breakfast in the palace, after which they chant the scripts, an event broadcast on national television.

The government also holds contests to promote the spirit of the occasion and to prompt healthy discussion of religious issues that affect day-to-day life.

Perhaps the most dramatic component of the celebration is the evening closing ceremony where thousands of monks light candles, chant scripts in temple grounds and perform the “wien thien” in major shrines.

Full Moon of Tabaung in Myanmar

In Myanmar, the Shwedagon Pagoda in former capital Yangon is the center of festivities of the Full Moon of Tabaung which usually starts a week before the day of the full moon. While in Thailand there is competition for the best performance of religious songs, in Myanmar there is competition for the best woven holy robes using only traditional looms. As is the tradition during this day, Burmese monks chant the scriptures for a full 24 hours for the entire duration of the festival.

Meak Bochea in Cambodia

Cambodian Buddhists congregate at the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong, 28 miles north of the current capital, Phnom Penh. Prayers are not only performed by saffron-robed monks, but also by white-robed and shaven Buddhist nuns. The devout flock to this ancient capital to make merits, like offer food to monks, light candles and burn incense, and offer lotus flowers at the Temple of Eight Points and other sacred stupas found in the ancient capital.

Alcohol Ban on Makha Bucha Day

There are several holidays in Thailand where alcohol is not served in observance of religious holidays. One of those days is Makha Bucha when consumption of alcohol is not only considered a religious violation but also a civil offense. Bars, restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, retail and convenience stores and even some hotels are prohibited from selling or serving alcohol to customers and their guests. Violation of this alcohol ban may result to imprisonment of up to six months and a steep fine (10,000 Baht as of last decree).

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People Power

To encourage and increase civilian participation, various seminars, exhibits and open discussions are conducted across the country to promote the people’s understanding of what a democratic society is all about. After all, the Siamese (the ancient Thais) have been ruled for centuries by minor monarchs who came from various kingdoms that now make the provinces of Thailand. Participation on these affairs allows common Thais to understand better rights that have been granted to them by the constitution.

In celebration of this milestone in the country’s history, government offices, schools, businesses and historic edifices are adorned with the blue, white and red of Thai flags and portraits of Thai kings. The people take to the streets during the day, to participate in civic parades, listen to speeches by key government officials, and watch their country’s military power in full regalia.

This year, the Constitution Day 2016 falls on Saturday, the holiday will be observed on the following Monday – 12 December 2016 (Monday) – Constitution Day (Substitution).

An Inexperienced Ruler Caused the End of Absolute Monarchy

Rama VII, popularly known as King Prajadhipok, was seen as too young and inadequate to lead the country as a monarch. As a result, a coalition between Thailand intellectuals and the military known as the People’s Party led a bloodless coup against the reigning king, ultimately ending in the establishment of a provisional constitution that transferred the political power to the people of Siam and allowed them to overturn the king’s veto.

This, however, has not diminished the stature of the monarch, as the present ruling king is still deeply revered by his people, and Thailand still has the world’s toughest “lese majeste”, or law that protects the king and his family from being maligned, verbally or otherwise.

In fact, on any national occasion, the monarchy still figures largely, be it portraits hung on buildings during the King’s birthday, or civic occasions like this when the monarch’s color (yellow) dominates the festivities.

The Constitution and the Monarchy

When Thailand’s constitution was signed by Rama VII on December 10, 1932, he may have transferred the bulk of his power from the monarchy to the people, but he still remains the Head of State and the Head of the Armed Forces. This power also crosses over to the realm of the religious, as subsequent ruling monarchs have been given power to uphold all religions, despite the monarchy’s – and the country’s – thousands-year-long devotion to Theravada Buddhism.

This does not mean, however, that the king has the last say in all matters of Thai politics. His veto can still be overruled by a vote of the parliament which represents the people.

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As the descendant of the Chakri dynasty whose forebears united Thailand after various incursions by competing kingdoms, King Bhumibol is revered and deeply adored by the people. The Thais’ regard for their king is best displayed on the occasion of his birthday, one of the most important events in the country.

The King’s Birthday 2013 will be celebrated on Thursday, December 5. His Majesty will be 86 this year.

All (Yellow) Roads Lead to Bangkok

Rama I, King Bhumibol’s ancestor, established the capital of Siam (ancient Thailand) on the banks of the Chao Phraya River to protect the Thai people from further invasion. The new capital came to be known as “Krung Thep” (Bangkok), and it is but proper that the seat of the royalty be established here.

On December 5, the Grand Palace will teem with adoring royalists who eagerly await for an audience with the king. He usually appears for a brief speech, calling on all Thais to unite amidst the impending division that threatens Thailand in light of the future of the monarchy. (The king’s health has sharply declined after suffering from a minor brain bleed, and his heir-apparent, his only son Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, is rumored to be associated with the deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra whose policies threatened the royalists’ position in the government.)

Ratchadamnoen Road will be closed for vehicular traffic until the evening to give way to pedestrians. Tourists who want to take part in the celebrations will not miss the marigold-paved road along Ratchadamnoen. To show their support for the royalty, Thais wear yellow shirts and bring with them Thai flags and flags with the king’s insignia to be waved when the king appears from the Anantasamakom Throne Hall. Royalists hold up portraits of King Bhumibol and chant “Long Live the King!” to show their devotion to the reigning monarch.

Of Candles, Fireworks and Portraits of the King

All around the country, government offices, business establishments, schools and homes will be clothed in yellow, the color associated with the king’s reign. Yellow buntings will be put up, Thai flags will be hoisted, and the portraits of the king will grace every building as a sign of the people’s reverence to their beloved monarch.

During the king’s birthday, the Grand Palace glows with hundreds of thousands of candles as the capital leads the country in a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony.

To end the celebrations, an extravagant fireworks display will light up Bangkok’s already blazing nightlife.

Cultural Celebrations in Sanam Luang

Outside of the Grand Palace, cultural performances and musical acts are typically held in Sanam Luang, which also will be heavy with foot traffic until the evening.

The evening candle-lighting ceremony also takes place here as it does in the Grand Palace, and the whole country joins as similar celebrations take place in major capitals of other provinces, like Chiang Mai and Phuket.

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Wreath Laying on the Royal Equestrian Statue in Dusit

To commemorate King Rama V and honor his contributions to Thailand’s modernization, Chulalongkorn Day is celebrated as a public holiday on the anniversary of his death.

This year, Chulalongkorn Day 2013 falls on Wednesday.

Thais gather around the Royal Equestrian Statue of Chulalongkorn in Dusit District, Bangkok, to place wreaths and commemorative images of the King. Garlands are hung on the statue, while Thai flags and royal emblems are flown alongside the statue.

General business and commerce remains open on Chulalongkorn Day, but schools, government offices and non-commercial institutions are closed on this public holiday. Because employees are given time off, expect that local getaways like Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Krabi, Phuket and Koh Samed, and even Kanchanaburi, will be crowded with “weekend warriors”, leaving the majority of Bangkok crowd-free save for official ceremonies that are held in memorials erected to honor the king.

The Modern King

His exposure and willingness to embrace outside perspectives also enabled him to enact laws that abolished slavery, having learned of what the United States (at the time embroiled in Civil War) had to go through to sow the seeds of democracy. His extensive travels to British colonies, particularly to Indian provinces, led him to create reforms in administration, divvying up Siam (ancient name of Thailand) into provincial units overseen by “intendants.”

His Western exposure also convinced him to initiate measures to open up the country to postal and telegraph services, and to construct communication and railways systems that connected Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Because he was tutored in the workings of Western diplomacy, he was able to implement policies that allowed symbiotic relations with the West while resisting its expansionism. As a result, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by a Western power.

The Royal Equestrian Statue of Chulalongkorn was erected in celebration of his 40th year of reign. Two years later, on October 23, 1910, the King died of kidney disease despite repeated treatments he received in Europe.

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The Queen’s Birthday 2013 will be celebrated on Monday this year, with major celebrations expected in the Grand Palace in the country’s capital, Bangkok.

A Sea of Pink

To show reverence to the Queen, loyal royalists wear pink on the day of her birthday. Crowds eagerly wait for the Queen to appear in a balcony from the Grand Palace, so Ratchadamnoen Road nearby is going to be heavy with foot traffic. The Thai flag and the royal insignia are hoisted on government buildings, parks and commercial establishments, and even homes display pictures of the king and queen as a symbol of their respect to the reigning family. Thai royals are deeply revered by their people, and this is one of the many occasions when the public shows its adoration.

As crowds gather in the Grand Palace for a brief viewing of the queen, the people wave flags and the queen’s insignia and chant “Long Live the Queen!”

Doing Merits on Mother’s Day

In the morning, markets are busy as children buy flowers to give to their mothers, and food to give to the monks. On this day, children show their love and respect to their mothers by making merits (alms giving to the monks) on behalf of them.

Back in the Grand Palace, religious rituals are performed several days leading to the Queen’s Birthday, so temples are filled with incense and chanting by Buddhist monks to pray for the well-being of the Queen, especially now that her physical abilities are reduced after lengthy hospitalization in 2012.

Candlelight Ceremony at the Grand Palace

The Prime Minister and key members of the Thai parliament gather in the Grand Palace to wish the Queen well on her birthday. The Prime Minister also leads a countrywide candle-lighting event later in the day. To close the occasion, fireworks are lit in Bangkok and in major cities around Thailand, like Chiang Mai and Phuket, with the entire event broadcast live so people at home can join the occasion.

Non-Alcohol Parties on the Queen’s Birthday

In many places throughout Thailand, alcohol is not consumed out of respect to the royal family. Nightlife considerably slows down and bars close early on this day; if alcohol is ordered, it is served discreetly.

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This year, the beginning of Vassa 2013 falls on Tuesday, July 23, the day after Asalha Puja.

The Observance of Lent, the Buddhist Way

The period with which monks and ascetics retreat into sacred shelters is often referred to as the Buddhist Lent (although the label is anachronistic since Buddhism predated Christianity by thousands of years).

The start of the retreat is commemorated by Buddhist orders with the chanting of scripts and doing meditations afterwards. The rest of the rainy season is spent studying the scriptures in depth and engaging in intensive meditation. (The art of Thai massage, which started in temples, came out of the necessity to relieve sore and stiff muscles after hours of motionless meditation.)

Because monks do not go out during the period of the rains retreat, they cannot ask for alms from villagers they happen to pass by. Instead, it is the lay people who come to the temples to offer the monks food, robes, candles, incense and other basic necessities. Making merits during the beginning of Vassa is all the more important.

Buddhist Lent Celebrated by the Lay

Although the rains retreat is more of an event for those in the Buddhist order than it is for the lay, it is an occasion that reminds the devout to live the four precepts or truths of Buddhism. During this period, lay people may observe abstinence from alcohol and meat, and observance of chastity in thought and action. The lay may also opt to make merits as often as they can, since the rains retreat ends after about three months.

Asalha Puja

Lay participation during the Buddhist retreat is more obvious during the commemoration of Buddha’s First Sermon, or Asalha Puja, which is a public holiday in Thailand.

Because of this day off, workers go back home to their families in the provinces so they could make merits together. Families also participate in an evening candle-lighting ceremony called “wien thien” wherein people go to Buddhist shrines and circle around them three times carrying lighted candles. Lotus flowers are also offered and incense is burned on sacred sites. The lay may choose to listen to Buddhist monks chanting the First Discourse.

No Roaming Around During the Rainy Season

Theravada Buddhism arose in areas where the monsoons prevail for a good part of the year, making travel on foot more challenging. During the start of the rainy season, crops are planted in paddies, and this makes them vulnerable to monks who had to travel from village to village in order to teach the precepts of Buddhism.

The monks’ peripatetic lifestyle caused some farmers to complain to Buddha that their itinerant ways damaged crops and affected productivity. It was also getting difficult for monks to seek shelter under the shade of trees given this condition. Hence, Buddha declared that monks congregate in temples or shrines during the start of the monsoon and dedicate the rest of the season to prayer and meditation instead.

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In 2014, the Chinese New Year will fall on Friday, January 31.

Lunar Calendar and the Zodiac

The Chinese Lunar calendar determines when the dates of holidays and other events take place. It is an ancient guide for the Chinese in almost all aspects of their lives and is based on the moon’s phases as well as the solar solstices and equinoxes. It also takes note of the sun’s cycles, which is the basis for the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac. Following this, 2014 is the year of the Horse, and people of this sign are idealistic, loyal and independent.

Mythical Origin

One of the most popular stories tells of the beast Nian who would attack villages at the start of the New Year, eating their crops and people. To appease Nian, the villagers would prepare food and place it at the doors of their homes. It is also believed that Nian feared the color red and loud noises, which are now prominent symbols of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Red Envelopes

Red envelopes, known as hong bao in Mandarin, are small packets filled with money that are given to young children by their elders. These red envelopes represent good luck, happiness and abundance. In some cases, it is also given to unmarried and unemployed adults to give them hope and encouragement. In other countries, this is called ang pao (Philippines) or ang poh (Malaysia).

Dragon Dance

The Chinese consider themselves as descendants of this mythical and majestic creature who represents prosperity, good luck and good fortune. The dance itself, dating back to the Han Dynasty, was believed to be a harvest tradition and brings about good health, prosperity and good luck.

Fireworks

With its loud explosions and bright lights, fireworks are believed to scare away evil and negative spirits. Fireworks have been an integral part of the Chinese New Year celebrations for many years, but because of the rising occurrence of accidents, many countries have banned the public use of fireworks. Instead, big displays are organized for the public to view.

Preparations

Homes are thoroughly cleaned before the New Year in order to remove any traces of negativity and start over with a clean slate. The New Year is also a time for family to come together. Food is an integral part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, particularly during the Chinese New Year’s Eve. It is one of the most important family gatherings, and is often hosted by the most senior member of the family.

Food for Good Fortune

The foods that are prepared and served are often chosen because of how similar their names sound to things that are auspicious and good. For example, mandarin oranges are a popular fruit not only because it is in season but also because its name sounds close to the word that means “luck” or “fortune”. Chicken based dishes are also served in the belief that all families, no matter their social or economic standing, should be able to afford this meat.

Fish dishes are also served, but usually left for last and often not eaten in its entirety. This is because the word “fish” sounds like “abundance”, and leaving some of it for the next day means that the family will receive abundant blessings in the coming year.

Niangao or New Year cake is a glutinous rice delicacy that is traditionally most popular during this season because its consumption is considered to be good luck. Its name sounds like a phrase that implies one being prosperous year after year. In the Philippines, this is called tikoy.

Modern Chinese New Year

While modern day China celebrates January 1 as the first day of the Gregorian calendar year, the traditional Lunar New Year is still very much observed.

The Chinese New Year is a public holiday in People’s Republic of China, its territories of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau and countries around the world like Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore where there are sizeable population and communities of Chinese. The rest of the world also considers this a major holiday, but is not necessarily a public or official one.

Celebrations of the Chinese New Year all over the world take its cue from the traditional Chinese customs and practices.

Chinese New Year in Singapore

Celebrations in Singapore is quite grand in scale because of the strong Chinese-Singaporean population. Several events are predominantly featured during the days of New Year, including the Chingay Parade, River Hongbao and in the recent years, the Festive Street Bazaar which featured nightly shows and competitions.

Chinese New Year in Malaysia

For the Malaysians, preparations for the New Year start almost as soon as the Christmas season ends. New Year themed decorations replace the Christmas ones. In Malaysia, most states declare the first two days of the New Year as a holiday. Penang and Klang are said to be the locations of the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations in Malaysia, but everyone celebrates it in their own way. Families gather on New Year’s Eve for a reunion dinner. The first dish served is the yee sang, a raw fish salad that the family tosses with their chopsticks. This activity is known as the prosperity toss and is expected to bring good fortune as the year rolls in. Gift giving is also a big tradition, and in Malaysia everyone receives a red envelope with a small sum of money. On chap goh mei, the fifteenth and last day of the New Year, families again come together for a feast similar to the reunion dinner at the start of the year.

Chinese New Year in the Philippines

The Chinese New Year is not usually considered a public holiday in the Philippines, but in 2012 it was declared to be a national holiday. It is celebrated not just by the sizeable Chinese-Filipino community but by the entire nation. Establishments go all out with decorations and many participate in traditional Chinese New Year customs. Chinatown in Manila, considered to be the world’s oldest Chinatowns outside China attracts thousands of visitors every Chinese New Year. Niangao are popular gifts and can be purchased almost everywhere. Red envelopes are also given out with a person’s fortune.

Chinese New Year in Vietnam

The Vietnamese celebrate the coming of the new year as based on the lunisolar calendar much like the Chinese do, but it is known as Tet Ngyuen Dan, or simply Tet. It coincides with the Chinese New Year, but with the one-hour time difference between Vietnam and China, the calculations are a little different. To the Vietnamese, this holiday is the Feast of the First Morning.

With a civilization that is one of the oldest in the world, it is no surprise that the celebration of the Chinese New Year is observed internationally. It is a festival that allows people to touch base with their families and remember that the important things in life are not material things.

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Coronation Day 2013 will be celebrated on Sunday, May 5. Because this public holiday falls on a weekend, a compensatory non-workday will be observed on Monday, May 6.

Celebrating the Royal Regalia

The present-day commemoration of this important event in Thai history takes place for three days. The rituals are performed in the Grand Palace in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, and are attended by the royal household, government officials, Brahmin priests and monks.

On May 3 of every year, His Majesty leads a Buddhist merit-making ceremony called “tham boon” at the Amarindra Throne Hall in the Grand Palace. This day, more than anything, is dedicated to honor the king’s ancestors. Monks chant verses, deliver sermons and conduct a requiem ritual to commemorate the relics of the Chakri monarchs.

Later in the day, the King issues flags of honor to military units who displayed exemplary behavior.

On May 4, there are two ceremonies performed with Brahmins and Buddhist monks presiding over the rites. The day starts with a declaration to open the Coronation Day, a ritual presided over by Brahmins. The second part of the ceremonies is conducted by Buddhist monks who sanctify the occasion.

On the day of the coronation anniversary itself, the King is dressed in full regalia. As customary in Buddhism, a feast is prepared for monks during auspicious occasions, and the King presents these offerings to them.

His Majesty also leads a “wien thien” ceremony wherein he walks three times around the Wat Phra Kaew’s sacred grounds bearing Buddhist relics.

At noon, the kingdom’s Armed Forces and Navy pay their respects by each firing a 21 gun salute. This is also the day when His Majesty awards citations and presents royal decorations to outstanding Thais who made valuable contributions to the country.

The Coronation Day ends with a sacred ritual in the evening: The reigning monarch changes the cloth of the Emerald Buddha, the sacred guardian of the Thais since Rama I brought it to this side of the Chao Phraya.

Off-Limits Grounds are Opened to the Public

On May 5 every year, some rooms in the Grand Palace are opened for public viewing. This year, the King also decided to open to the public the Royal Pantheon which is only reserved for use of the royalty.

The Thais’ Loyalty to Royalty

Thais consider their monarchs as avatars of the divine; hence, Siamese kings have always earned the reverence, love and devotion of the people. Modern day Thais turn out in hundreds of thousands to wave the red, white and blue Thai flag in their unfaltering support of the monarchy.

Larger-than-life papier mache and classic ornate artworks representative of Thailand culture and attractions are lit inside and erected on mobile platforms. The Royal Air Force band plays some tunes for public entertainment, and the celebrations in Bangkok are concluded with lavish fireworks.

Photo by permanently scatterbrained

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Military Commander Turned Ruler

Thong Duang, an Ayutthaya military commander who helped resist Burmese aggression, came to the throne when the people called for King Taaksin’s overthrow because of his weak leadership. Thong Duang, then known as Chakri by the people, was chosen to replace King Taaksin because he helped steer Siam (Thailand’s old name) out of the clutches of Burma and put down rebellions. His ascent to the throne was the start of the Chakri dynasty and established Bangkok as the new capital across the Chao Phraya River.

Commemorating the Contributions of the Chakri Kings

Chakri Memorial Day will be celebrated on Saturday, April 6 in 2013. Because this falls on a weekend, the next workday – Monday, April 8 – will be an Observance Day as a compensatory non-workday. Government offices, banks and other institutions will be closed on this day, except for commercial establishments and tourist facilities that remain open during regular hours.

As the ninth king of the ruling dynasty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej leads the royal family in conducting religious ceremonies in the royal chapel, and presides over the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Royal Pantheon and at the statue of King Rama I at the Memorial Bridge. The country’s prime minister and all government officials join the King in paying homage to his predecessors, while the people join the celebrations in these locations or hold ceremonies in Chakri monuments and memorials across Thailand.

All government offices display the national flag on this day.

The Commoners’ Tribute to Chakri Monarchs

In Thailand, lese majeste, an offense against the royal family, is strictly implemented. Any negative remark about the monarchs and their families is meted out with imprisonment of up to 15 years.

As can be inferred from their laws, Thais regard their monarchs with the highest esteem, and this day is an opportunity for the people to express their gratitude for the contributions of the Chakri monarchs to consolidate Thailand and make it into a regional power player that it is today. The statues of King Rama I and memorials to the house of Chakri are all abloom with flowers and garlands on this day. There are forums held across the country to keep alive the contributions of the Chakri kings, from the release of Thailand from Burmese control, to the abolition of slavery, the fortification of the country, and the establishment of a constitutional government.

Thais, being predominantly Buddhists, also make meritorious offerings to the Chakri rulers in the Royal Pantheon as the reigning monarch leads the rituals in that location.

Photo by Caspar

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Thailand is the land of Theravada Buddhism (the oldest branch of the religion). About 95% of Thais observe the “Teachings of the Elders” (literal meaning of Theravada); hence, the thousands of Buddhist temples and shrines in Thailand.

Asalha Puja is one such important occasion for Theravada Buddhists. This day commemorates Buddha’s first teaching of the dhamma, or truth.

When Buddha achieved his enlightenment, he shared this with his former disciples. On this first sermon, he shared with them the four noble truths that came out of his enlightenment, which is the essence of all his subsequent discourses.

As such, this day is also called the Dhamma Day, or the Dharmachakra (The First Turning of the Wheel of the Dharma).

From a broader perspective, this day celebrates the birth of Buddhism.

Making Merits

Asalha Puja will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 30 in 2013. Traditionally, this coincides with the start of the monsoon season, and sometimes referred to as the first day of the ‘vassa’ or Buddhist rains retreat.

Devout Buddhists make merits in shrines, temples and Buddhist centers around the country. They offer lotus flowers and light candles in the temples, burn incense in the shrines, and give food and other necessities to the monks, listen to the monks chant the first discourse, and reflect on the precepts of Buddhism.

Doing the “Wien Thien”

At night, a candle procession is held around temples and shrines. Monks and devout go around the temples three times, in a ritual referred to as the “wien thien.”

The same ritual is performed by school children as the occasion of the Asalha Puja nears. They are brought to Buddhist temples to do the ‘wien thien’ and make merits by offering food, robes and candles to the monk.

In Bangkok, Khao San Road, otherwise a backpacker mecca on any given day, lights up with candles as processions progress. Candles are also left to burn in the main temple of Wat Bowon, along with floral offerings.

Asalha Puja is Time for Meditation and Reunion with Family

In the evening, monks devote their time to prayer and meditation. Since Asalha Puja coincides with the arrival of the rains, monks traditionally suspended their nomadic lifestyle and stayed in monasteries for a three-month long retreat, a practice that marks the start of the Buddhist Lent.

Around the country, houses put up big candles outside and light this up in celebration of Dhamma Day. Because this occasion is a national holiday in Thailand, families take this opportunity to come together, perform the tradition with their elders, and reflect on the teachings of Buddha.

Photo by Jeff McNeill

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History of Makha Bucha

Several different sources cite the origins of this day to certain events that occurred in the Buddha’s lifetime. Just nine months after his Enlightenment, 1,250 monks came to see the Buddha without a preset schedule. This gathering gave the Buddha the opportunity to teach them the “Ovādapātimokha” or the principles of Buddhism: do what is good, cease all evil and purify the mind.

In Thailand, these teachings are known as the “Heart of Buddhism”. This gathering occurred on the full moon during the third lunar month.

Another event celebrated during this day occurred 45 years later, shortly before the end of the Buddha’s life. Here, the Buddha gave his final teachings and achieved the final Nirvana or “Parinibbhana” where his spirit or mind is separated from the physical body. This also happened on the full moon day of the the third lunar month.

Makha Bucha Activities

Makha Bucha day is a highly religious festival, one that is strongly observed throughout the country. Buddhists visit temples to pay their respects to the Buddha. Many hear sermons and the teachings of the Buddha, while others use this day to build up their merit by doing good deeds and participating in special events (tum boon). There are also other activities that are slated for this occasion.

Wian Tiam

This is a candlelit procession that is held on the eve of Makha Bucha in various temples around Thailand. Monks and other devotees circle these temples in a clockwise direction and carry with them three items: a lighted candle, flowers and a lighted incense stick. These items represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, his teachings or the Dhamma, and the monkhood or Sangha.

Keeping the Five Precepts

This practice is known as rub sil. This is considered as the basic code of ethics for Buddhism, and many devotees try to follow them as much as they can. These five precepts are:

• To abstain from harming any living thing;
• To abstain from stealing;
• To abstain from all intoxicants;
• To abstain from backbiting, gossip, intrigue, and from telling lies
• To abstain from sexual immorality

Additionally, several other principles are followed by different Buddhist practices and the wording of each principle varies on tradition.

Celebrations with the Thai King

The King and Head of State of Thailand participates in special ceremonies for Makha Bucha. Some thirty monks are invited to have breakfast at the royal palace, after which they pray and chant mantras of the Buddha’s teachings. Candles of the same number of monks who visited the Buddha all those years ago are lit by the King shortly after. Often, these ceremonies are aired live on television for the faithful to see.

No Alcohol

Tourists should note that while many restaurants and dining establishments around Thailand will be open during Makha Bucha, they most likely will not serve alcoholic beverages. Most bars will also be closed at this time.

State and government office operations are also closed on Makha Bucha day.

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