Celebrating a Grandfather's Birthday

I never met Sutiya's grandfather, he died some years ago. He was a popular man around town so I am told, and every year on his birthday, Mare invites a monk round to the house to partake in a little ceremony to remember him. As shown in the picture above, everyone involved joins one another by touch, and some blessed water is poured into a gold coloured bowl.

The monk places a ball of string in a silver dish, and uses some of the string to link the ashes of Sutiya's grandfather. Some small gifts are then given to the monk, which are placed just in front of him, passed over the silver dish. Everyone sits behind the gift giver, but is linked to her by touch.

The monk then holds his hands over a porcelain dish, whilst everyone takes turns pouring a little water over the monks hands.

The monk then sits and quietly chants in prayer for a short while, sending messages and merit to grandfather.

Comments

[Mike]

Ben an interesting insight and some great photographs.

[Ben Shingleton]

Thanks Mike.

[pete, frogblogger]

Whatever one's beliefs, there's definitely merit in honouring the memory of deceased members of the family. I'm sure it helps to encourage more respect for elderly relatives still living than we manage in the West.

[Ben Shingleton]

Yeah I think so too Pete. Seems to be the way of things out here, an everyday facet of Thai life. Could use a bit more of it in the UK, we've kinda lost that spiritual connection in everyday life I think. Those that practice such things are open to ridicule, although I think most Westerners from afar appreciate these kinds of rituals ....

[Catherine]

I like Pete's comment about encouraging more respect for older relatives.

Of course, in transient populations it is sometimes not possible. So knowing that some cultures are continuing on the tradition of taking care of their seniors is comforting.